Knowledge Base

Solution 11963: Graphing a Polar Equation on a TI-83 Family, TI-84 Plus Family Graphing Calculator, or TI-Nspire™ in TI-84 Plus Family Mode.

How can I graph an equation in polar mode on a TI-83 family, TI-84 Plus family graphing calculator, or TI-Nspire in TI-84 Plus mode?

Polar equations can be graphed in either Radian or Degree mode. Follow the steps below to graph the equation r=1-sinq, for example:

• Press [MODE] [↓] [↓] [ENTER].
• Press [↓] [→] [→] [ENTER].

• Press [Y=].
• Clear any existing entries with [CLEAR].
• Press [1] [-] [sin] [q].

• Press [WINDOW] and enter the following settings:

qmin=0
qmax=2p
qstep=p/24
Xmin=-3
Xmax=3
Xscl=1
Ymin=-3
Ymax=1
Yscl=1

With these settings the calculator will evaluate the function from q=0 to q=2p in increments of p/24.

• Press [GRAPH].

The following graph will be displayed.

Please see the TI-83 family and TI-84 Plus family guidebooks for additional information.

TI-Nspire in TI-84 Plus mode users may use the TI-84 Plus guidebook.