• ltxrtquq@lemmy.ml
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    16 hours ago

    Polar Functions and dydx

    We are interested in the lines tangent a given graph, regardless of whether that graph is produced by rectangular, parametric, or polar equations. In each of these contexts, the slope of the tangent line is dydx. Given r=f(θ), we are generally not concerned with r′=f′(θ); that describes how fast r changes with respect to θ. Instead, we will use x=f(θ)cosθ, y=f(θ)sinθ to compute dydx.

    From the link above. I really don’t understand why you seem to think a tangent line in polar coordinates would be a circle.

    • wholookshere@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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      1 hour ago

      Sorry that’s not what I’m saying.

      I’m saying a line with constant tangent would be a circle not a line.

      Let me try another way, a function with constant first derivative in polar coordinates, would draw a circle in Cartesian

      • ltxrtquq@lemmy.ml
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        43 minutes ago

        Given r=f(θ), we are generally not concerned with r′=f′(θ); that describes how fast r changes with respect to θ

        I think this part from the textbook describes what you’re talking about

        Instead, we will use x=f(θ)cosθ, y=f(θ)sinθ to compute dydx.

        And this would give you the actual tangent line, or at least the slope of that line.