Where Did I Go Wrong in Expressing the Polar Rose as an Implicit Function?

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter JanClaesen
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Polar
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around expressing the polar rose as an implicit function, specifically focusing on the equation r(t) = sin(t) and its Cartesian representation. Participants explore the conversion from polar to Cartesian coordinates, discuss potential errors in the initial parametrization, and seek hints for deriving Cartesian equations for related polar functions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant attempts to express the polar rose using the equations x = sin(t) * cos(t) and y = sin^2(t), leading to an equation that plots as a circle in Maple.
  • Another participant points out that the derived equation (2x)^2 + (1-2y)^2 = 1 represents a circle, questioning the validity of the initial parametrization.
  • Several participants provide hints and identities to assist in finding Cartesian equations for different polar functions, such as r(θ) = sin(2θ) and r(θ) = sin(3θ).
  • One participant expresses confusion about finding the Cartesian equation for r(θ) = sin(2θ) and receives encouragement and hints from others.
  • Another participant suggests using the identity sin(θ) = 2sin(θ)cos(θ) to aid in the conversion process.
  • Further hints are provided for expanding and rearranging equations to achieve the desired form.
  • There is a discussion about the complexity of deriving Cartesian equations for sin(3θ), with hints suggesting the use of complex numbers.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the methods for converting polar to Cartesian coordinates, but there is no consensus on the correctness of the initial parametrization or the resulting equations. Multiple competing views and approaches are presented without resolution.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes various mathematical identities and transformations that may depend on specific assumptions or definitions not fully explored in the thread. Some steps in the derivation process remain unresolved.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students and enthusiasts of mathematics, particularly those interested in polar coordinates, implicit functions, and the conversion between coordinate systems.

JanClaesen
Messages
56
Reaction score
0
I'm trying to express the polar rose as an implicit function:
r(t)=sin t

x = sin t * cos t
y = sin^2 t

Since sin t * cos t = (1/2) * sin 2t and sin^2 t = (1/2) * (1-cos 2t)

(2x)^2 + (1-2y)^2 = 1
4x^2 -4y + 4y^2 = 0

When I plot this, Maple plots a circle, where have I gone wrong?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
"(2x)^2 + (1-2y)^2 = 1" This is an equation for a circle.

Your parametrization is not.
 
Hi JanClaesen! :smile:

(have a theta: θ :wink:)

A rose is usually r = ksinθ or r = kcosθ … see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rose_(mathematics)" .

For k = 1, it is a circle.

(But you could have got the same equation if you'd just made it r2 = y :wink:)
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Do you have any hints on how to find the Cartesian equation for r(θ)=sin(2θ), I really can't seem to find it. :)
 
Hint: multiply both sides by r2. :wink:
 
And use the identity sin(\theta)= 2sin(\theta)cos(\theta).
 
HallsofIvy said:
And use the identity sin(\theta)= 2sin(\theta)cos(\theta).

He knows that :rolleyes: :smile:
JanClaesen said:
Since sin t * cos t = (1/2) * sin 2t …

(and have a theta: θ :wink:)
 
Wow, that was clever, thank you :smile:
For those interested:

xy = 0.5(x^2+y^2)(x^2+y^2)^(1/2)

(where x^2+y^2 = sin^2 (2θ) )
 
(try using the X2 tag just above the Reply box :wink:)

That's it! :smile:

And then expand it , and put it all on the left:

(x2 + y2)3 - 2xy = 0. :wink:
 
  • #10
tiny-tim said:
(try using the X2 tag just above the Reply box :wink:)

That's it! :smile:

And then expand it , and put it all on the left:

(x2 + y2)3 - 2xy = 0. :wink:


Yep, thanks again :smile:

Is there a human way to do this also for sin(3θ)? Or would that be a computer job? :smile:
I'm trying to do this now, but I have a feeling it's quite tough. :smile:
 
  • #11
JanClaesen said:
Is there a human way to do this also for sin(3θ)?

Hint: try it for cos(3θ) + isin(3θ) :wink:
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
9K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
5K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K