Overview
Graphing curves described by equations in polar coordinates can be very rewarding, but we must be attentive when plotting points whose radii are negative. Occasionally it is helpful to convert from polar coordinates to Cartesian (xy) coordinates in order to better understand a curve.
Lecture Video and Notes
Video Excerpts
» Clip 1: Graph of r = 2a cos(θ) (00:04:00)
From Lecture 33 of 18.01 Single Variable Calculus, Fall 2006
» Clip 2: Graph of r = sin(2θ) (00:13:00)
From Lecture 33 of 18.01 Single Variable Calculus, Fall 2006
» Clip 3: Polar Coordinates and Conic Sections (00:02:00)
From Lecture 33 of 18.01 Single Variable Calculus, Fall 2006
Clip 3: Polar Coordinates and Conic Sections
> Download from iTunes U (MP4 - 108MB)
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Recitation Video
Graph of r = 1 + cos (θ/2)
> Download from iTunes U (MP4 - 43MB)
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