All mind maps topics

Polar coordinates and curve sketchingEdexcel International A Level Further Maths: Mind map

Coordinates
Lines and circles
Cardioid and limaçon

Polar coordinates

curves and tangents

(r,θ)(r,\theta)x=rcos⁡θx=r\cos\thetay=rsin⁡θy=r\sin\theta
Rose and lemniscate
Tangents
Exam tips

Exam questions on Polar coordinates and curve sketching

  1. The straight line ll has polar equation r=4sec⁡(θ−π3)r=4\sec\left(\theta-\frac{\pi}{3}\right), where r≥0r\ge0 and the pole is OO.
    Find the polar coordinates of the point where ll meets the initial line.2 marks
  2. The curve SS has polar equation r=3θr=3\theta, for θ≥0\theta\ge0.
    Find the Cartesian coordinates of the point on SS where θ=3π2\theta=\frac{3\pi}{2}.2 marks
  3. The curve CC has polar equation r=3+2cos⁡θr=3+2\cos\theta, for 0≤θ<2π0\le\theta<2\pi.
    Find the greatest and least values of rr, stating the value of θ\theta at each, and explain why CC does not pass through the pole.3 marks
See the full worksheet

Written by the Exaim team, led by Shaun Daswani (Head of Upper Secondary, Improve ME Institute; MSc Financial Mathematics, Imperial College London; BSc, UCL) and Jason Daswani (operational lead, Improve ME Institute; LSE).