AS/A2 Pure 5 Pure 6

P4 Topic 7: Polar Coordinates
r = A + Bcos t
Investigate polar curves with equations of the form r = A + Bcos t for cvarious values of A and B, positive and negative. Pay close attention to any loops or symmetry or occurances of cusps. You may have to zoom out to get a better view. Click the left button to zoom in. Use Shift-click to zoom out. Click and hold down the right button to drag the graph.

Summary Curves with equations of the form r = A+Bcos t are known as cardoids, epicycloids and limaçons. If B > A the curve has cusps. Based on free Java applets from JavaMath