Problem 1AAE Finding Conic Sections Find an equation for the parabola with focus (4, 0) and directrix x = 3. Sketch the parabola together with its vertex, focus, and directrix.
Read moreTable of Contents
Textbook Solutions for Thomas' Calculus: Early Transcendentals
Question
Problem 25AAE
Theory and Examples
The Angle Between the Radius Vector and the Tangent Line to a Polar Coordinate Curve In Cartesian coordinates, when we want to discuss the direction of a curve at a point, we use the angle measured counterclockwise from the positive x-axis to the tangent line. In polar coordinates, it is more convenient to calculate the angle from the radius vector to the tangent line (see the accompanying figure). The angle can then be calculated from the relation
which comes from applying the Exterior Angle Theorem to the triangle in the accompanying figure.
Suppose the equation of the curve is given in the form r = ƒ(θ) , where ƒ(θ) is a differentiable function of θ. Then
(2)
are differentiable functions of θ with
Furthermore,
because is the slope of the curve at P. Also,
Hence
The numerator in the last expression in Equation (4) is found from Equations (2) and (3) to be
Similarly, the denominator is
When we substitute these into Equation (4), we obtain
This is the equation we use for finding as a function of θ
Show, by reference to a figure, that the angle between the tangents to two curves at a point of intersection may be found from the formula
When will the two curves intersect at right angles?
Solution
The first step in solving 11 problem number trying to solve the problem we have to refer to the textbook question: Problem 25AAETheory and ExamplesThe Angle Between the Radius Vector and the Tangent Line to a Polar Coordinate Curve In Cartesian coordinates, when we want to discuss the direction of a curve at a point, we use the angle measured counterclockwise from the positive x-axis to the tangent line. In polar coordinates, it is more convenient to calculate the angle from the radius vector to the tangent line (see the accompanying figure). The angle can then be calculated from the relationwhich comes from applying the Exterior Angle Theorem to the triangle in the accompanying figure.Suppose the equation of the curve is given in the form r = ƒ(θ) , where ƒ(θ) is a differentiable function of θ. Then(2)are differentiable functions of θ withFurthermore,because is the slope of the curve at P. Also,HenceThe numerator in the last expression in Equation (4) is found from Equations (2) and (3) to beSimilarly, the denominator isWhen we substitute these into Equation (4), we obtainThis is the equation we use for finding as a function of θShow, by reference to a figure, that the angle between the tangents to two curves at a point of intersection may be found from the formulaWhen will the two curves intersect at right angles?
From the textbook chapter Parametric Equations and Polar Coordinates you will find a few key concepts needed to solve this.
Visible to paid subscribers only
Step 3 of 7)Visible to paid subscribers only
full solution