Polar Coordinates - Calculus Volume 3

Learning Objectives

1.3.1. Locate points in a plane by using polar coordinates.
1.3.2. Convert points between rectangular and polar coordinates.
1.3.3. Sketch polar curves from given equations.
1.3.4. Convert equations between rectangular and polar coordinates.
1.3.5. Identify symmetry in polar curves and equations.

The rectangular coordinate system (or Cartesian plane) provides a means of mapping points to ordered pairs and ordered pairs to points. This is called a one-to-one mapping from points in the plane to ordered pairs. The polar coordinate system provides an alternative method of mapping points to ordered pairs. In this section we see that in some circumstances, polar coordinates can be more useful than rectangular coordinates.

Defining Polar Coordinates

To find the coordinates of a point in the polar coordinate system, consider Figure 1.27. The point $P$ has Cartesian coordinates $(x, y) .$ The line segment connecting the origin to the point $P$ measures the distance from the origin to $P$ and has length $r .$ The angle between the positive $x$ -axis and the line segment has measure $θ .$ This observation suggests a natural correspondence between the coordinate pair $(x, y)$ and the values $r$ and $θ .$ This correspondence is the basis of the polar coordinate system. Note that every point in the Cartesian plane has two values (hence the term ordered pair) associated with it. In the polar coordinate system, each point also has two values associated with it: $r$ and $θ .$

A point P(x, y) is given in the first quadrant with lines drawn to indicate its x and y values. There is a line from the origin to P(x, y) marked r and this line make an angle θ with the x axis.

Figure 1.27 An arbitrary point in the Cartesian plane.

Using right-triangle trigonometry, the following equations are true for the point $P :$

cos θ = \frac{x}{r} so x = r cos θ

sin θ = \frac{y}{r} so y = r sin θ .

Furthermore,

r^{2} = x^{2} + y^{2} and tan θ = \frac{y}{x} .

Each point $(x, y)$ in the Cartesian coordinate system can therefore be represented as an ordered pair $(r, θ)$ in the polar coordinate system. The first coordinate is called the radial coordinate and the second coordinate is called the angular coordinate. Every point in the plane can be represented in this form.

Note that the equation $tan θ = y / x$ has an infinite number of solutions for any ordered pair $(x, y) .$ However, if we restrict the solutions to values between $0$ and $2 π$ then we can assign a unique solution to the quadrant in which the original point $(x, y)$ is located. Then the corresponding value of r is positive, so $r^{2} = x^{2} + y^{2} .$

Theorem 1.4

Converting Points between Coordinate Systems

Given a point $P$ in the plane with Cartesian coordinates $(x, y)$ and polar coordinates $(r, θ),$ the following conversion formulas hold true:

x = r cos θ and y = r sin θ,

1.7

r^{2} = x^{2} + y^{2} and tan θ = \frac{y}{x} .

1.8

These formulas can be used to convert from rectangular to polar or from polar to rectangular coordinates.

Example 1.10

Converting between Rectangular and Polar Coordinates

Convert each of the following points into polar coordinates.

$(1, 1)$
$(−3, 4)$
$(0, 3)$
$(5 \sqrt{3}, −5)$

Convert each of the following points into rectangular coordinates.

$(3, π / 3)$
$(2, 3 π / 2)$
$(6, −5 π / 6)$

Solution

Use $x = 1$ and $y = 1$ in Equation 1.8:

$\begin{matrix} \begin{matrix} r^{2} & = & x^{2} + y^{2} \\ = & 1^{2} + 1^{2} \\ r & = & \sqrt{2} \end{matrix} & and & \begin{matrix} tan θ & = & \frac{y}{x} \\ = & \frac{1}{1} = 1 \\ θ & = & \frac{π}{4} . \end{matrix} \end{matrix}$

Therefore this point can be represented as $(\sqrt{2}, \frac{π}{4})$ in polar coordinates.
Use $x = −3$ and $y = 4$ in Equation 1.8:

$\begin{matrix} \begin{matrix} r^{2} & = & x^{2} + y^{2} \\ = & {(−3)}^{2} + {(4)}^{2} \\ r & = & 5 \end{matrix} & and & \begin{matrix} tan θ & = & \frac{y}{x} \\ = & - \frac{4}{3} \\ Since the angle is in the second quadrant and is outside the domain of arctan, this is the reference angle. So, \\ RA & = & arctan (- \frac{4}{3}) \approx - 2.21 \\ and θ & = & π + RA \approx 2.21 \end{matrix} \end{matrix}$

Therefore this point can be represented as $(5, 2.21)$ in polar coordinates.
Use $x = 0$ and $y = 3$ in Equation 1.8:

$\begin{matrix} \begin{matrix} r^{2} & = & x^{2} + y^{2} \\ = & {(3)}^{2} + {(0)}^{2} \\ = & 9 + 0 \\ r & = & 3 \end{matrix} & and & \begin{matrix} tan θ & = & \frac{y}{x} \\ = & \frac{3}{0} . \end{matrix} \end{matrix}$

Direct application of the second equation leads to division by zero. Graphing the point $(0, 3)$ on the rectangular coordinate system reveals that the point is located on the positive y-axis. The angle between the positive x-axis and the positive y-axis is $\frac{π}{2} .$ Therefore this point can be represented as $(3, \frac{π}{2})$ in polar coordinates.
Use $x = 5 \sqrt{3}$ and $y = −5$ in Equation 1.8:

$\begin{matrix} \begin{matrix} r^{2} & = & x^{2} + y^{2} \\ = & {(5 \sqrt{3})}^{2} + {(−5)}^{2} \\ = & 75 + 25 \\ r & = & 10 \end{matrix} & and & \begin{matrix} tan θ & = & \frac{y}{x} \\ = & \frac{−5}{5 \sqrt{3}} = - \frac{\sqrt{3}}{3} \\ θ & = & - \frac{π}{6} . \end{matrix} \end{matrix}$

Therefore this point can be represented as $(10, - \frac{π}{6})$ in polar coordinates.
Use $r = 3$ and $θ = \frac{π}{3}$ in Equation 1.7:

$\begin{matrix} \begin{matrix} x & = & r cos θ \\ = & 3 cos (\frac{π}{3}) \\ = & 3 (\frac{1}{2}) = \frac{3}{2} \end{matrix} & and & \begin{matrix} y & = & r sin θ \\ = & 3 sin (\frac{π}{3}) \\ = & 3 (\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}) = \frac{3 \sqrt{3}}{2} . \end{matrix} \end{matrix}$

Therefore this point can be represented as $(\frac{3}{2}, \frac{3 \sqrt{3}}{2})$ in rectangular coordinates.
Use $r = 2$ and $θ = \frac{3 π}{2}$ in Equation 1.7:

$\begin{matrix} \begin{matrix} x & = & r cos θ \\ = & 2 cos (\frac{3 π}{2}) \\ = & 2 (0) = 0 \end{matrix} & and & \begin{matrix} y & = & r sin θ \\ = & 2 sin (\frac{3 π}{2}) \\ = & 2 (−1) = −2. \end{matrix} \end{matrix}$

Therefore this point can be represented as $(0, −2)$ in rectangular coordinates.
Use $r = 6$ and $θ = - \frac{5 π}{6}$ in Equation 1.7:

$\begin{matrix} \begin{matrix} x & = & r cos θ \\ = & 6 cos (- \frac{5 π}{6}) \\ = & 6 (- \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}) \\ = & −3 \sqrt{3} \end{matrix} & and & \begin{matrix} y & = & r sin θ \\ = & 6 sin (- \frac{5 π}{6}) \\ = & 6 (- \frac{1}{2}) \\ = & −3. \end{matrix} \end{matrix}$

Therefore this point can be represented as $(−3 \sqrt{3}, −3)$ in rectangular coordinates.

Checkpoint 1.10

Convert $(−8, −8)$ into polar coordinates and $(4, \frac{2 π}{3})$ into rectangular coordinates.

The polar representation of a point is not unique. For example, the polar coordinates $(2, \frac{π}{3})$ and $(2, \frac{7 π}{3})$ both represent the point $(1, \sqrt{3})$ in the rectangular system. Also, the value of $r$ can be negative. Therefore, the point with polar coordinates $(−2, \frac{4 π}{3})$ also represents the point $(1, \sqrt{3})$ in the rectangular system, as we can see by using Equation 1.8:

\begin{matrix} \begin{matrix} x & = & r cos θ \\ = & −2 cos (\frac{4 π}{3}) \\ = & −2 (- \frac{1}{2}) = 1 \end{matrix} & and & \begin{matrix} y & = & r sin θ \\ = & −2 sin (\frac{4 π}{3}) \\ = & −2 (- \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}) = \sqrt{3} . \end{matrix} \end{matrix}

Every point in the plane has an infinite number of representations in polar coordinates. However, each point in the plane has only one representation in the rectangular coordinate system.

Note that the polar representation of a point in the plane also has a visual interpretation. In particular, $r$ is the directed distance that the point lies from the origin, and $θ$ measures the angle that the line segment from the origin to the point makes with the positive $x$ -axis. Positive angles are measured in a counterclockwise direction and negative angles are measured in a clockwise direction. The polar coordinate system appears in the following figure.

A series of concentric circles is drawn with spokes indicating different values between 0 and 2π in increments of π/12. The first quadrant starts with 0 where the x axis would be, then the next spoke is marked π/12, then π/6, π/4, π/3, 5π/12, π/2, and so on into the second, third, and fourth quadrants. The polar axis is noted near the former x axis line.

Figure 1.28 The polar coordinate system.

The line segment starting from the center of the graph going to the right (called the positive x-axis in the Cartesian system) is the polar axis. The center point is the pole, or origin, of the coordinate system, and corresponds to $r = 0 .$ The innermost circle shown in Figure 1.28 contains all points a distance of 1 unit from the pole, and is represented by the equation $r = 1 .$ Then $r = 2$ is the set of points 2 units from the pole, and so on. The line segments emanating from the pole correspond to fixed angles. To plot a point in the polar coordinate system, start with the angle. If the angle is positive, then measure the angle from the polar axis in a counterclockwise direction. If it is negative, then measure it clockwise. If the value of $r$ is positive, move that distance along the terminal ray of the angle. If it is negative, move along the ray that is opposite the terminal ray of the given angle.

Example 1.11

Plotting Points in the Polar Plane

Plot each of the following points on the polar plane.

$(2, \frac{π}{4})$
$(−3, \frac{2 π}{3})$
$(4, \frac{5 π}{4})$

Solution

The three points are plotted in the following figure.

Three points are marked on a polar coordinate plane, specifically (2, π/4) in the first quadrant, (4, 5π/4) in the third quadrant, and (−3, 2π/3) in the fourth quadrant.

Figure 1.29 Three points plotted in the polar coordinate system.

Checkpoint 1.11

Plot $(4, \frac{5 π}{3})$ and $(−3, - \frac{7 π}{2})$ on the polar plane.

Polar Curves

Now that we know how to plot points in the polar coordinate system, we can discuss how to plot curves. In the rectangular coordinate system, we can graph a function $y = f (x)$ and create a curve in the Cartesian plane. In a similar fashion, we can graph a curve that is generated by a function $r = f (θ) .$

The general idea behind graphing a function in polar coordinates is the same as graphing a function in rectangular coordinates. Start with a list of values for the independent variable $(θ$ in this case) and calculate the corresponding values of the dependent variable $r .$ This process generates a list of ordered pairs, which can be plotted in the polar coordinate system. Finally, connect the points, and take advantage of any patterns that may appear. The function may be periodic, for example, which indicates that only a limited number of values for the independent variable are needed.

Problem-Solving Strategy: Plotting a Curve in Polar Coordinates

Create a table with two columns. The first column is for $θ,$ and the second column is for $r .$
Create a list of values for $θ .$
Calculate the corresponding $r$ values for each $θ .$
Plot each ordered pair $(r, θ)$ on the coordinate axes.
Connect the points and look for a pattern.

Media

Watch this video for more information on sketching polar curves.

Example 1.12

Graphing a Function in Polar Coordinates

Graph the curve defined by the function $r = 4 sin θ .$ Identify the curve and rewrite the equation in rectangular coordinates.

Solution

Because the function is a multiple of a sine function, it is periodic with period $2 π,$ so use values for $θ$ between 0 and $2 π .$ The result of steps 1–3 appear in the following table. Figure 1.30 shows the graph based on this table.

$θ$	$r = 4 sin θ$	$θ$	$r = 4 sin θ$
0	0	$π$	0
$\frac{π}{6}$	$2$	$\frac{7 π}{6}$	$−2$
$\frac{π}{4}$	$2 \sqrt{2} \approx 2.8$	$\frac{5 π}{4}$	$−2 \sqrt{2} \approx −2.8$
$\frac{π}{3}$	$2 \sqrt{3} \approx 3.4$	$\frac{4 π}{3}$	$−2 \sqrt{3} \approx −3.4$
$\frac{π}{2}$	$4$	$\frac{3 π}{2}$	$-4$
$\frac{2 π}{3}$	$2 \sqrt{3} \approx 3.4$	$\frac{5 π}{3}$	$−2 \sqrt{3} \approx −3.4$
$\frac{3 π}{4}$	$2 \sqrt{2} \approx 2.8$	$\frac{7 π}{4}$	$−2 \sqrt{2} \approx −2.8$
$\frac{5 π}{6}$	$2$	$\frac{11 π}{6}$	$−2$
		$2 π$	0

On the polar coordinate plane, a circle is drawn with radius 2. It touches the origin, (2 times the square root of 2, π/4), (4, π/2), and (2 times the square root of 2, 3π/4).

Figure 1.30 The graph of the function

r = 4 sin θ

is a circle.

This is the graph of a circle. The equation $r = 4 sin θ$ can be converted into rectangular coordinates by first multiplying both sides by $r .$ This gives the equation $r^{2} = 4 r sin θ .$ Next use the facts that $r^{2} = x^{2} + y^{2}$ and $y = r sin θ .$ This gives $x^{2} + y^{2} = 4 y .$ To put this equation into standard form, subtract $4 y$ from both sides of the equation and complete the square:

\begin{matrix} x^{2} + y^{2} - 4 y & = & 0 \\ x^{2} + (y^{2} - 4 y) & = & 0 \\ x^{2} + (y^{2} - 4 y + 4) & = & 0 + 4 \\ x^{2} + {(y - 2)}^{2} & = & 4. \end{matrix}

This is the equation of a circle with radius 2 and center $(0, 2)$ in the rectangular coordinate system.

Checkpoint 1.12

Create a graph of the curve defined by the function $r = 4 + 4 cos θ .$

The graph in Example 1.12 was that of a circle. The equation of the circle can be transformed into rectangular coordinates using the coordinate transformation formulas in Equation 1.8. Example 1.14 gives some more examples of functions for transforming from polar to rectangular coordinates.

Example 1.13

Transforming Polar Equations to Rectangular Coordinates

Rewrite each of the following equations in rectangular coordinates and identify the graph.

$θ = \frac{π}{3}$
$r = 3$
$r = 6 cos θ - 8 sin θ$

Solution

Take the tangent of both sides. This gives $tan θ = tan (π / 3) = \sqrt{3} .$ Since $tan θ = y / x$ we can replace the left-hand side of this equation by $y / x .$ This gives $y / x = \sqrt{3},$ which can be rewritten as $y = x \sqrt{3} .$ This is the equation of a straight line passing through the origin with slope $\sqrt{3} .$ In general, any polar equation of the form $θ = K$ represents a straight line through the pole with slope equal to $tan K .$
First, square both sides of the equation. This gives $r^{2} = 9 .$ Next replace $r^{2}$ with $x^{2} + y^{2} .$ This gives the equation $x^{2} + y^{2} = 9,$ which is the equation of a circle centered at the origin with radius 3. In general, any polar equation of the form $r = k$ where k is a positive constant represents a circle of radius k centered at the origin. (Note: when squaring both sides of an equation it is possible to introduce new points unintentionally. This should always be taken into consideration. However, in this case we do not introduce new points. For example, $(−3, \frac{π}{3})$ is the same point as $(3, \frac{4 π}{3}) .)$
Multiply both sides of the equation by $r .$ This leads to $r^{2} = 6 r cos θ - 8 r sin θ .$ Next use the formulas

$r^{2} = x^{2} + y^{2}, x = r cos θ, y = r sin θ .$

This gives

$\begin{matrix} r^{2} & = & 6 (r cos θ) - 8 (r sin θ) \\ x^{2} + y^{2} & = & 6 x - 8 y . \end{matrix}$

To put this equation into standard form, first move the variables from the right-hand side of the equation to the left-hand side, then complete the square.

$\begin{matrix} x^{2} + y^{2} & = & 6 x - 8 y \\ x^{2} - 6 x + y^{2} + 8 y & = & 0 \\ (x^{2} - 6 x) + (y^{2} + 8 y) & = & 0 \\ (x^{2} - 6 x + 9) + (y^{2} + 8 y + 16) & = & 9 + 16 \\ {(x - 3)}^{2} + {(y + 4)}^{2} & = & 25. \end{matrix}$

This is the equation of a circle with center at $(3, −4)$ and radius 5. Notice that the circle passes through the origin since the center is 5 units away.

Checkpoint 1.13

Rewrite the equation $r = sec θ tan θ$ in rectangular coordinates and identify its graph.

We have now seen several examples of drawing graphs of curves defined by polar equations. A summary of some common curves is given in the tables below. In each equation, a and b are arbitrary constants.

This table has three columns and 3 rows. The first row is a header row and is given from left to right as name, equation, and example. The second row is Line passing through the pole with slope tan K; θ = K; and a picture of a straight line on the polar coordinate plane with θ = π/3. The third row is Circle; r = a cosθ + b sinθ; and a picture of a circle on the polar coordinate plane with equation r = 2 cos(t) – 3 sin(t): the circle touches the origin but has center in the third quadrant.

Figure 1.31

This table has three columns and 3 rows. The first row is Spiral; r = a + bθ; and a picture of a spiral starting at the origin with equation r = θ/3. The second row is Cardioid; r = a(1 + cosθ), r = a(1 – cosθ), r = a(1 + sinθ), r = a(1 – sinθ); and a picture of a cardioid with equation r = 3(1 + cosθ): the cardioid looks like a heart turned on its side with a rounded bottom instead of a pointed one. The third row is Limaçon; r = a cosθ + b, r = a sinθ + b; and a picture of a limaçon with equation r = 2 + 4 sinθ: the figure looks like a deformed circle with a loop inside of it. The seventh row is Rose; r = a cos(bθ), r = a sin(bθ); and a picture of a rose with equation r = 3 sin(2θ): the rose looks like a flower with four petals, one petal in each quadrant, each with length 3 and reaching to the origin between each petal.

Figure 1.32

A cardioid is a special case of a limaçon (pronounced “lee-mah-son”), in which $a = b$ or $a = − b .$ The rose is a very interesting curve. Notice that the graph of $r = 3 sin 2 θ$ has four petals. However, the graph of $r = 3 sin 3 θ$ has three petals as shown.

A rose with three petals, one in the first quadrant, another in the second quadrant, and the third in both the third and fourth quadrants, each with length 3. Each petal starts and ends at the origin.

Figure 1.33 Graph of

r = 3 sin 3 θ .

If the coefficient of $θ$ is even, the graph has twice as many petals as the coefficient. If the coefficient of $θ$ is odd, then the number of petals equals the coefficient. You are encouraged to explore why this happens. Even more interesting graphs emerge when the coefficient of $θ$ is not an integer. For example, if it is rational, then the curve is closed; that is, it eventually ends where it started (Figure 1.34(a)). However, if the coefficient is irrational, then the curve never closes (Figure 1.34(b)). Although it may appear that the curve is closed, a closer examination reveals that the petals just above the positive x axis are slightly thicker. This is because the petal does not quite match up with the starting point.

This figure has two figures. The first is a rose with so many overlapping petals that there are a few patterns that develop, starting with a sharp 10 pointed star in the center and moving out to an increasingly rounded set of petals. The second figure is a rose with even more overlapping petals, so many so that it is impossible to tell what is happening in the center, but on the outer edges are a number of sharply rounded petals.

Figure 1.34 Polar rose graphs of functions with (a) rational coefficient and (b) irrational coefficient. Note that the rose in part (b) would actually fill the entire circle if plotted in full.

Since the curve defined by the graph of $r = 3 sin (π θ)$ never closes, the curve depicted in Figure 1.34(b) is only a partial depiction. In fact, this is an example of a space-filling curve. A space-filling curve is one that in fact occupies a two-dimensional subset of the real plane. In this case the curve occupies the circle of radius 3 centered at the origin.

Example 1.14

Chapter Opener: Describing a Spiral

Recall the chambered nautilus introduced in the chapter opener. This creature displays a spiral when half the outer shell is cut away. It is possible to describe a spiral using rectangular coordinates. Figure 1.35 shows a spiral in rectangular coordinates. How can we describe this curve mathematically?

A spiral starting at the origin and continually increasing its radius to a point P(x, y).

Figure 1.35 How can we describe a spiral graph mathematically?

Solution

As the point P travels around the spiral in a counterclockwise direction, its distance d from the origin increases. Assume that the distance d is a constant multiple k of the angle $θ$ that the line segment OP makes with the positive x-axis. Therefore $d (P, O) = k θ,$ where $O$ is the origin. Now use the distance formula and some trigonometry:

\begin{matrix} d (P, O) & = & k θ \\ \sqrt{{(x - 0)}^{2} + {(y - 0)}^{2}} & = & k arctan (\frac{y}{x}) \\ \sqrt{x^{2} + y^{2}} & = & k arctan (\frac{y}{x}) \\ arctan (\frac{y}{x}) & = & \frac{\sqrt{x^{2} + y^{2}}}{k} \\ y & = & x tan (\frac{\sqrt{x^{2} + y^{2}}}{k}) . \end{matrix}

Although this equation describes the spiral, it is not possible to solve it directly for either x or y. However, if we use polar coordinates, the equation becomes much simpler. In particular, $d (P, O) = r,$ and $θ$ is the second coordinate. Therefore the equation for the spiral becomes $r = k θ .$ Note that when $θ = 0$ we also have $r = 0,$ so the spiral emanates from the origin. We can remove this restriction by adding a constant to the equation. Then the equation for the spiral becomes $r = a + k θ$ for arbitrary constants $a$ and $k .$ This is referred to as an Archimedean spiral, after the Greek mathematician Archimedes.

Another type of spiral is the logarithmic spiral, described by the function $r = a \cdot b^{θ} .$ A graph of the function $r = 1.2 ({1.25}^{θ})$ is given in Figure 1.36. This spiral describes the shell shape of the chambered nautilus.

This figure has two figures. The first is a shell with many chambers that increase in size from the center out. The second is a spiral with equation r = 1.2(1.25θ).

Figure 1.36 A logarithmic spiral is similar to the shape of the chambered nautilus shell. (credit: modification of work by Jitze Couperus, Flickr)

Suppose a curve is described in the polar coordinate system via the function $r = f (θ) .$ Since we have conversion formulas from polar to rectangular coordinates given by

\begin{matrix} x = r cos θ \\ y = r sin θ, \end{matrix}

it is possible to rewrite these formulas using the function

\begin{matrix} x = f (θ) cos θ \\ y = f (θ) sin θ . \end{matrix}

This step gives a parameterization of the curve in rectangular coordinates using $θ$ as the parameter. For example, the spiral formula $r = a + b θ$ from Figure 1.31 becomes

\begin{matrix} x = (a + b θ) cos θ \\ y = (a + b θ) sin θ . \end{matrix}

Letting $θ$ range from $− \infty$ to $\infty$ generates the entire spiral.

Symmetry in Polar Coordinates

When studying symmetry of functions in rectangular coordinates (i.e., in the form $y = f (x)),$ we talk about symmetry with respect to the y-axis and symmetry with respect to the origin. In particular, if $f (− x) = f (x)$ for all $x$ in the domain of $f,$ then $f$ is an even function and its graph is symmetric with respect to the y-axis. If $f (− x) = − f (x)$ for all $x$ in the domain of $f,$ then $f$ is an odd function and its graph is symmetric with respect to the origin. By determining which types of symmetry a graph exhibits, we can learn more about the shape and appearance of the graph. Symmetry can also reveal other properties of the function that generates the graph. Symmetry in polar curves works in a similar fashion.

Theorem 1.5

Symmetry in Polar Curves and Equations

Consider a curve generated by the function $r = f (θ)$ in polar coordinates.

The curve is symmetric about the polar axis if for every point $(r, θ)$ on the graph, the point $(r, − θ)$ is also on the graph. Similarly, the equation $r = f (θ)$ is unchanged by replacing $θ$ with $− θ .$
The curve is symmetric about the pole if for every point $(r, θ)$ on the graph, the point $(r, π + θ)$ is also on the graph. Similarly, the equation $r = f (θ)$ is unchanged when replacing $r$ with $− r,$ or $θ$ with $π + θ .$
The curve is symmetric about the vertical line $θ = \frac{π}{2}$ if for every point $(r, θ)$ on the graph, the point $(r, π - θ)$ is also on the graph. Similarly, the equation $r = f (θ)$ is unchanged when $θ$ is replaced by $π - θ .$

The following table shows examples of each type of symmetry.

This table has three rows and two columns. The first row reads “Symmetry with respect to the polar axis: For every point (r, θ) on the graph, there is also a point reflected directly across the horizontal (polar) axis” and it has a picture of a cardioid with equation r = 2 – 2 cosθ: this cardioid has points marked (r, θ) and (r, −θ), which are symmetric about the x axis, and the entire cardioid is symmetric about the x axis. The second row reads “Symmetry with respect to the pole: For every point (r, θ) on the graph, there is also a point on the graph that is reflected through the pole as well” and it has a picture of a skewed infinity symbol with equation r2 = 9 cos(2θ – π/2): this figure has points marked (r, θ) and (−r, θ), which are symmetric about the pole, and the entire figure is symmetric about the pole. The third row reads “Symmetry with respect to the vertical line θ = π/2: For every point (r, θ) on the graph, there is also a point reflected directly across the vertical axis” and there is a picture of a cardioid with equation r = 2 – 2 sinθ: this figure has points marked (r, θ) and (r, π − θ), which are symmetric about the vertical line θ = π/2, and the entire cardioid is symmetric about the vertical line θ = π/2.

Example 1.15

Using Symmetry to Graph a Polar Equation

Find the symmetry of the rose defined by the equation $r = 3 sin (2 θ)$ and create a graph.

Solution

Suppose the point $(r, θ)$ is on the graph of $r = 3 sin (2 θ) .$

To test for symmetry about the polar axis, first try replacing $θ$ with $− θ .$ This gives $r = 3 sin (2 (− θ)) = −3 sin (2 θ) .$ Since this changes the original equation, this test is not satisfied. However, returning to the original equation and replacing $r$ with $− r$ and $θ$ with $π - θ$ yields

$\begin{matrix} − r = 3 sin (2 (π - θ)) \\ − r = 3 sin (2 π - 2 θ) \\ − r = 3 sin (−2 θ) \\ − r = −3 sin 2 θ . \end{matrix}$

Multiplying both sides of this equation by $−1$ gives $r = 3 sin 2 θ,$ which is the original equation. This demonstrates that the graph is symmetric with respect to the polar axis.
To test for symmetry with respect to the pole, first replace $r$ with $− r,$ which yields $− r = 3 sin (2 θ) .$ Multiplying both sides by −1 gives $r = −3 sin (2 θ),$ which does not agree with the original equation. Therefore the equation does not pass the test for this symmetry. However, returning to the original equation and replacing $θ$ with $θ + π$ gives

$\begin{matrix} r & = 3 sin (2 (θ + π)) \\ = 3 sin (2 θ + 2 π) \\ = 3 (sin 2 θ cos 2 π + cos 2 θ sin 2 π) \\ = 3 sin 2 θ . \end{matrix}$

Since this agrees with the original equation, the graph is symmetric about the pole.
To test for symmetry with respect to the vertical line $θ = \frac{π}{2},$ first replace both $r$ with $− r$ and $θ$ with $− θ .$

$\begin{matrix} − r = 3 sin (2 (− θ)) \\ − r = 3 sin (−2 θ) \\ − r = −3 sin 2 θ . \end{matrix}$

Multiplying both sides of this equation by $−1$ gives $r = 3 sin 2 θ,$ which is the original equation. Therefore the graph is symmetric about the vertical line $θ = \frac{π}{2} .$

This graph has symmetry with respect to the polar axis, the origin, and the vertical line going through the pole. To graph the function, tabulate values of $θ$ between 0 and $π / 2$ and then reflect the resulting graph.

$θ$	$r$
$0$	$0$
$\frac{π}{6}$	$\frac{3 \sqrt{3}}{2} \approx 2.6$
$\frac{π}{4}$	$3$
$\frac{π}{3}$	$\frac{3 \sqrt{3}}{2} \approx 2.6$
$\frac{π}{2}$	$0$

This gives one petal of the rose, as shown in the following graph.

A single petal is graphed with equation r = 3 sin(2θ) for 0 ≤ θ ≤ π/2. It starts at the origin and reaches a maximum distance from the origin of 3.

Figure 1.37 The graph of the equation between

θ = 0

and

θ = π / 2 .

Reflecting this image into the other three quadrants gives the entire graph as shown.

A four-petaled rose is graphed with equation r = 3 sin(2θ). Each petal starts at the origin and reaches a maximum distance from the origin of 3.

Figure 1.38 The entire graph of the equation is called a four-petaled rose.

Checkpoint 1.14

Determine the symmetry of the graph determined by the equation $r = 2 cos (3 θ)$ and create a graph.

Section 1.3 Exercises

In the following exercises, plot the point whose polar coordinates are given by first constructing the angle $θ$ and then marking off the distance r along the ray.

125.

$(3, \frac{π}{6})$

126.

$(−2, \frac{5 π}{3})$

127.

$(0, \frac{7 π}{6})$

128.

$(−4, \frac{3 π}{4})$

129.

$(1, \frac{π}{4})$

130.

$(2, \frac{5 π}{6})$

131.

$(1, \frac{π}{2})$

For the following exercises, consider the polar graph below. Give two sets of polar coordinates for each point.

The polar coordinate plane is divided into 12 pies. Point A is drawn on the first circle on the first spoke above the θ = 0 line in the first quadrant. Point B is drawn in the fourth quadrant on the third circle and the second spoke below the θ = 0 line. Point C is drawn on the θ = π line on the third circle. Point D is drawn on the fourth circle on the first spoke below the θ = π line.

132.

Coordinates of point A.

133.

Coordinates of point B.

134.

Coordinates of point C.

135.

Coordinates of point D.

For the following exercises, the rectangular coordinates of a point are given. Find two sets of polar coordinates for the point in $(0, 2 π] .$ Round to three decimal places.

136.

$(2, 2)$

137.

$(3, −4)$

138.

$(8, 15)$

139.

$(−6, 8)$

140.

$(4, 3)$

141.

$(3, − \sqrt{3})$

For the following exercises, find rectangular coordinates for the given point in polar coordinates.

142.

$(2, \frac{5 π}{4})$

143.

$(−2, \frac{π}{6})$

144.

$(5, \frac{π}{3})$

145.

$(1, \frac{7 π}{6})$

146.

$(−3, \frac{3 π}{4})$

147.

$(0, \frac{π}{2})$

148.

$(−4.5, 6.5)$

For the following exercises, determine whether the graphs of the polar equation are symmetric with respect to the $x$ -axis, the $y$ -axis, or the origin.

149.

$r = 3 sin (2 θ)$

150.

$r^{2} = 9 cos θ$

151.

$r = cos (\frac{θ}{5})$

152.

$r = 2 sec θ$

153.

$r = 1 + cos θ$

For the following exercises, describe the graph of each polar equation. Confirm each description by converting into a rectangular equation.

154.

$r = 3$

155.

$θ = \frac{π}{4}$

156.

$r = sec θ$

157.

$r = csc θ$

For the following exercises, convert the rectangular equation to polar form and sketch its graph.

158.

$x^{2} + y^{2} = 16$

159.

$x^{2} - y^{2} = 16$

160.

$x = 8$

For the following exercises, convert the rectangular equation to polar form and sketch its graph.

161.

$3 x - y = 2$

162.

$y^{2} = 4 x$

For the following exercises, convert the polar equation to rectangular form and sketch its graph.

163.

$r = 4 sin θ$

164.

$r = 6 cos θ$

165.

$r = θ$

166.

$r = cot θ csc θ$

For the following exercises, sketch a graph of the polar equation and identify any symmetry.

167.

$r = 1 + sin θ$

168.

$r = 3 - 2 cos θ$

169.

$r = 2 - 2 sin θ$

170.

$r = 5 - 4 sin θ$

171.

$r = 3 cos (2 θ)$

172.

$r = 3 sin (2 θ)$

173.

$r = 2 cos (3 θ)$

174.

$r = 3 cos (\frac{θ}{2})$

175.

$r^{2} = 4 cos (2 θ)$

176.

$r^{2} = 4 sin θ$

177.

$r = 2 θ$

178.

[T] The graph of $r = 2 cos (2 θ) sec (θ) .$ is called a strophoid. Use a graphing utility to sketch the graph, and, from the graph, determine the asymptote.

179.

[T] Use a graphing utility and sketch the graph of $r = \frac{6}{2 sin θ - 3 cos θ} .$

180.

[T] Use a graphing utility to graph $r = \frac{1}{1 - cos θ} .$

181.

[T] Use technology to graph $r = e^{sin (θ)} - 2 cos (4 θ) .$

182.

[T] Use technology to plot $r = sin (\frac{3 θ}{7})$ (use the interval $0 \leq θ \leq 14 π) .$

183.

Without using technology, sketch the polar curve $θ = \frac{2 π}{3} .$

184.

[T] Use a graphing utility to plot $r = θ sin θ$ for $− π \leq θ \leq π .$

185.

[T] Use technology to plot $r = e^{−0.1 θ}$ for $−10 \leq θ \leq 10 .$

186.

[T] There is a curve known as the “Black Hole.” Use technology to plot $r = e^{−0.01 θ}$ for $−100 \leq θ \leq 100 .$

187.

[T] Use the results of the preceding two problems to explore the graphs of $r = e^{−0.001 θ}$ and $r = e^{−0.0001 θ}$ for $| θ | > 100 .$

1.3 Polar Coordinates

Defining Polar Coordinates

Converting Points between Coordinate Systems

Converting between Rectangular and Polar Coordinates

Solution

Plotting Points in the Polar Plane

Solution

Polar Curves

Graphing a Function in Polar Coordinates

Solution

Transforming Polar Equations to Rectangular Coordinates

Solution

Chapter Opener: Describing a Spiral

Solution

Symmetry in Polar Coordinates

Symmetry in Polar Curves and Equations

Using Symmetry to Graph a Polar Equation

Solution

Section 1.3 Exercises