Polar Curve r=a+b·cos(θ) with Dynamic Parameters

Polar Curve r=a+b·cos(θ) with Dynamic Parameters
Loading the math board and drawing, please wait…
2016-11-26 03:04
① This example demonstrates how to plot the polar curve r=a+b·cos(θ) for θ from 0 to 2π, which can produce classic shapes such as limaçons and cardioids. ② The core mathematical concepts include polar coordinates, conversion to Cartesian coordinates, parametric equations, trigonometric periodicity, and the influence of parameters a and b on the curve's shape. ③ Construction details: The GeoGebra command CurveCartesian is used to convert the polar equation into a parametric curve, with an If condition to restrict the θ range; sliders control a and b for dynamic exploration, text objects display current parameter values, and auxiliary points A1, A2, B1, B2 are constructed to mark key positions. ④ Suitable for high school to early college students, this example helps understand polar geometry, parametric curve plotting, and dynamic mathematical exploration, and can serve as a classroom demonstration or self-study tool.

GeoGebra Commands & Parameters

  1. CurveCartesian((r(t) * cos(t)), (r(t) * sin(t)), t, 0, (2 * π)) → c
  2. If(b > 0, "+", "-") → A1
  3. If(b ≟ 0, "Circle about origin and radius abs(a)", "-") → A2