asked 173k views
5 votes
For what values of theta do maximum r-values occur on the graph the polar equation r = 2 cos4 theta? Note that the maximum r-value occurs at a point that is the maximum distance from the pole

1 Answer

2 votes

Answer:r=2 cos^4(theta)

Step-by-step explanation:To find the values of theta where the maximum r-values occur on the graph of the polar equation r = 2 cos^4(theta), we need to find where the derivative of r with respect to theta is equal to zero, since the maximum r-values occur at these points.

First, we can simplify the equation by using the identity cos(2theta) = 2cos^2(theta) - 1 and substituting cos^2(theta) = (1 + cos(2theta))/2. This gives:

r = 2 cos^4(theta) = 2(1/2 + 1/2 cos(2theta))^2 = 1 + cos(2theta) + cos^2(2theta)/2.

Next, we can take the derivative of r with respect to theta, using the chain rule:

dr/dtheta = -sin(2theta) - 2cos(2theta)sin(2theta).

Setting this equal to zero and factoring out sin(2theta), we get:

sin(2theta)(-1 - 2cos(2theta)) = 0.

This equation is satisfied when sin(2theta) = 0 or cos(2theta) = -1/2.

When sin(2theta) = 0, we have 2theta = k*pi for some integer k. Therefore, theta = k*pi/2.

When cos(2theta) = -1/2, we have 2theta = 2*pi/3 + 2*k*pi or 2theta = 4*pi/3 + 2*k*pi for some integer k. Therefore, theta = pi/3 + k*pi or theta = 2*pi/3 + k*pi.

These are the values of theta where the maximum r-values occur on the graph of the polar equation r = 2 cos^4(theta).

answered
User Aksonov
by
8.5k points

Related questions

1 answer
3 votes
201k views
asked Jun 19, 2024 85.0k views
RockFrenzy asked Jun 19, 2024
by RockFrenzy
7.8k points
1 answer
5 votes
85.0k views
asked May 10, 2024 119k views
Namgyal Brisson asked May 10, 2024
by Namgyal Brisson
7.2k points
1 answer
1 vote
119k views
Welcome to Qamnty — a place to ask, share, and grow together. Join our community and get real answers from real people.