Polar Coordinate Symmetry with Double Angles

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the equation r²=25sin2Θ, focusing on analyzing its symmetry with respect to the line Θ = pi/2 in the context of polar coordinates.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to substitute (pi-Θ) into the equation but expresses confusion regarding the implications of the double angle. Other participants suggest simplifying the expression and exploring the effects of negative angles on the symmetry.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, exploring different interpretations of the symmetry and the effects of transformations on the graph. Some guidance has been offered regarding the implications of negative angles and the resulting patterns, but no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

There is an ongoing discussion about the behavior of the sine function under transformations and the implications for the symmetry of the graph, with participants questioning the assumptions made in the original setup.

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Homework Statement


Given the equation r²=25sin2Θ Asked to find symmetry with respect to line Θ = pi/2

Homework Equations


w.r.t. Θ = pi/2: (r,Θ) - (r, pi-Θ) and (r, Θ) - (-r,-Θ)


The Attempt at a Solution


For the first case, I plugged in (pi-Θ) for Θ, but I'm confused about what to do with the double angle. Does It become: r² = 25 sin (2pi - 2Θ) and therefore does not match the original equation?
 
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Simplify [tex]\sin(2\pi-2\theta)[/tex] so it's just in terms of [tex]\sin(2\theta)[/tex].
 
So, since it's (2pi - 2Θ) it becomes r² = 25 sin (-2Θ) which is r² = -25 sin 2Θ because is negative is quadrants III and IV where 2Θ would have to be?
 
Think about it like this, the graph is created by starting at [itex]\theta=0[/itex] and the necessary distance from the origin, in this case 0. Then you trace out the pattern of the graph as you increase the value of [itex]\theta[/itex].
Now take a look at these two cases:

[tex]r^2=25\sin(-\theta)[/tex] and [tex]r^2=-25\sin(\theta)[/tex]

The first one tells us that whatever pattern you were tracing when increasing the values of [itex]\theta[/itex] (thus, turning counter-clockwise starting at [itex]\theta=0[/itex]) now you will be tracing that same pattern, except you'll be turning clockwise (because of the [itex]-\theta[/itex]). What symmetry would this create?

Now look at the second one, the negative value means that whatever pattern you're drawing as [itex]\theta[/itex] increases is now flipped onto the other side of the origin.
 
Okay, I got it! Thanks for your help!
 

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