David Little | ||||||
Mathematics Department Penn State University Eberly College of Science University Park, PA 16802 |
Office: 403 McAllister Phone: (814) 865-3329 Fax: (814) 865-3735 e-mail:dlittle@psu.edu |
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Investigate Polar Curves
The following applet can be used to investigate curves drawn in polar coordinates. Simply enter the function r(t) and the values a and b (in radians). The curve r(t) is drawn in the usual x,y-plane in the main window. The curve r(t) is drawn in the t,r(t)-plane in the pulldown window. The values a and b can be changed by simply typing a new value, such as "1.2345", "pi/2", "sqrt(5)+cos(3)", etc. You may also change these values by using the up/down arrow keys or dragging the corresponding point left or right. To move the center of the graph, simply drag any point to a new location. To label the x-axis in radians (i.e. multiples of pi), click on the graph and press "control-r". To switch back, simply press "control-r" again. Here is a list of functions that can be used with this applet.
Use the above applet to:
© 2005 David P. Little Download this applet for off-line viewing (includes source code). The above applet uses the Java Math Expression Parser (JEP) developed by Singular Systems |