Table of contents
- 0. Review of College Algebra4h 43m
- 1. Measuring Angles40m
- 2. Trigonometric Functions on Right Triangles2h 5m
- 3. Unit Circle1h 19m
- 4. Graphing Trigonometric Functions1h 19m
- 5. Inverse Trigonometric Functions and Basic Trigonometric Equations1h 41m
- 6. Trigonometric Identities and More Equations2h 34m
- 7. Non-Right Triangles1h 38m
- 8. Vectors2h 25m
- 9. Polar Equations2h 5m
- 10. Parametric Equations1h 6m
- 11. Graphing Complex Numbers1h 7m
9. Polar Equations
Graphing Other Common Polar Equations
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Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
Identify whether the given equation is that of a cardioid, limaçon, rose, or lemniscate.
r=1−sinθ
A
Cardioid
B
Limacon
C
Rose
D
Lemniscate

1
Start by recognizing the general form of polar equations. The equation given is r = 1 - \sin\theta.
Understand the characteristics of different polar curves: Cardioids have the form r = a ± b\sin\theta or r = a ± b\cos\theta where a = b.
Compare the given equation r = 1 - \sin\theta with the standard form of a cardioid. Notice that it matches the form r = a - b\sin\theta with a = b = 1.
Recall that a cardioid is a special type of limaçon where the coefficients a and b are equal, resulting in a heart-shaped curve.
Conclude that the given equation r = 1 - \sin\theta represents a cardioid, based on its form and the equality of coefficients.
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