Horizontal and Vertical Tangents for Polar Equation

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding horizontal and vertical tangents for the polar equation r² = 4cos(2θ). The key formulas used include the derivative dy/dx = (r'(θ)sinθ + r(θ)cosθ) / (r'(θ)cosθ - r(θ)sinθ) for calculating tangents. The user attempts to derive r'(θ) using implicit differentiation but encounters difficulties when both r and θ appear in the equations. The solution involves creating a system of equations from the original polar equation and the derived expressions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of polar coordinates and equations
  • Knowledge of implicit differentiation techniques
  • Familiarity with derivatives in parametric equations
  • Basic trigonometric identities and their applications
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  • Study implicit differentiation in polar coordinates
  • Learn how to solve systems of equations involving trigonometric functions
  • Explore the concept of tangents in polar curves
  • Review the application of derivatives in parametric equations
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Students studying calculus, particularly those focusing on polar coordinates and derivatives, as well as educators seeking clear explanations of tangent concepts in polar equations.

EnlightenedOne
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Homework Statement


Find the points at which the following polar equation has horizontal and vertical tangents:

r2 = 4cos(2θ)

Homework Equations



\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{r'(θ)sinθ + r(θ)cosθ}{r'(θ)cosθ - r(θ)sinθ}

Horizontal Tangent: \frac{dy}{dθ} = 0; \frac{dx}{dθ} ≠ 0
Vertical Tangent: \frac{dx}{dθ} = 0; \frac{dy}{dθ} ≠ 0

The Attempt at a Solution


There is no "clean" way of solving for r (because of the +/- sqrt) so that I could find r'(θ) to use in the formula. So, I figured I would use implicit differentiation:

r2 = 4cos(2θ)

2r\frac{dr}{dθ} = -8sin(2θ)

\frac{dr}{dθ} = \frac{-4sin(2θ)}{r}

But, when I plug it in the formula, I now have an r and a θ when I set the numerator and denominator of \frac{dy}{dx} equal to zero (separately of course). I don't know what to do when I have both variables like that and I'm trying to solve for θ. How should I be approaching this problem? Have I done this problem right so far? If so, what do I do next? If not, any suggestions? Please be clear. I can't find this problem answered clearly anywhere on the internet.
Thank you
 
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EnlightenedOne said:
But, when I plug it in the formula, I now have an r and a θ when I set the numerator and denominator of \frac{dy}{dx} equal to zero (separately of course). I don't know what to do when I have both variables like that and I'm trying to solve for θ.
You should have an equation involving r and θ (no derivatives around). Your original equation for the curve also has those two variables. Two equations, two unknowns.
If still stuck, please post all your working.
 

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