Calculus (3rd Edition)

Published by W. H. Freeman
ISBN 10: 1464125260
ISBN 13: 978-1-46412-526-3

Chapter 12 - Parametric Equations, Polar Coordinates, and Conic Sections - 12.5 Conic Sections - Exercises - Page 636: 51

Answer

$$ r= \frac{3}{2+ \cos \theta}. $$

Work Step by Step

The polar equation of a conic of eccentricity $e \gt0$, with focus at the origin and directrix $x = d$ is $$ r=\frac{e d}{1+e \cos \theta}. $$ Now, since $e=1/2$ and $x=3$, then the polar equation is $$ r=\frac{3/2}{1+(1/2) \cos \theta}=\frac{3}{2+ \cos \theta}. $$
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