Graphing Simple Polar Equations (8.7.4)

Question 1

• When graphing in polar coordinates:
  
  • Setting r equal to a constant (as in the equation r = k) generates a circle around the origin.
  • Setting θ equal to a constant (as in the equation θ = k) generates a line through the origin.
  • Setting r equal to θ (as in the equation r = θ) generates a spiral.

Answer 1

• When graphing in polar coordinates:
  
  • Setting r equal to a constant (as in the equation r = k) generates a circle around the origin.
  • Setting θ equal to a constant (as in the equation θ = k) generates a line through the origin.
  • Setting r equal to θ (as in the equation r = θ) generates a spiral.

Question 2

• To graph a polar equation first convert it to rectangular form.

Answer 2

• To graph a polar equation first convert it to rectangular form.