18.01SC | Fall 2010 | Undergraduate

Single Variable Calculus

Part C: Parametric Equations and Polar Coordinates

Session 84: Polar Coordinates and Graphing

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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)

Clip 2: Graph of r = sin(2θ)

Clip 3: Polar Coordinates and Conic Sections

Recitation Video

Graph of r = 1 + cos (θ/2)

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Course Info

Instructor
Departments
As Taught In
Fall 2010
Learning Resource Types
Exams with Solutions
Lecture Notes
Lecture Videos
Problem Sets with Solutions
Simulations
Recitation Videos