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Fall in Love with Polar Graphs: Top 4 Ways to Turn Heads with the TI-84 Plus
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Texas Instruments
9-12
15 Minutes
TI-Nspire™TI-Nspire™ CAS
3.2
Published on 05/24/2013
In this activity, students will observe different graphs of polar limaçon curves. Students will discover four different types of limaçon curves and their relationship to the ratio of a to b.
Students begin by exploring limaçon graphs in the form r = a ± b sin(q) or r = a ± b cos(q). Students will view several cardioids to see the effects of a and b on the graphs.
Students will also explore what effects addition and subtraction have on the graph, as well as sine versus cosine.