This site contains an interactive tool that allows the user to plot algebraic or trigonometric functions on the polar coordinate plane and at the same time produce the plot of ordered pairs representing points on the polar graph.
Type of Material:
Simulation
Recommended Uses:
This site can be used for demonstrations or for individual student practice.
Technical Requirements:
Any browser that supports JavaScript.
Identify Major Learning Goals:
Develop a better understanding of the polar coordinate system and graphing techniques in polar coordinates.
Target Student Population:
Students in Calculus or Trigonometry course.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
Basic knowledge of the polar coordinate system.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
This module allows the user to plot ordered pairs and the graphs of algebraic and trigonometric functions in the polar coordinate system. Instead of just showing the x and y axes, the tool displays the polar circles and key angular rays. It also allows the user to show the coordinates of the mouse position displayed in polar coordinates. A user has a choice between degrees and radians and inputs a function of his choice. This site can be used as a helpful tool explaining the polar coordinate system as well as conversion between the Cartesian and polar systems.
Concerns:
When there is an asymptote, the asymptote line is displayed in the same color as the graph. It would be better if it was displayed in a different color and/or dashed.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
The site can be used as a part of in-class demonstration or a self-guided activity. A list of suggested activities with this tool is given under Instructor tab. A set of links to related discussions, lessons, and worksheets makes this module ready to use to any instructor who teaches the subject. There is very helpful lesson that is written in the form of a conversation between the student and the mentor. Included are links from the vocabulary that students might need assistance with.
Concerns:
None
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
A user can starting working with this tool right away by changing input parameters and executing the applet. There is a link to instructions explaining how to print output if necessary. The zooming in and out tool is user friendly and the material is organized in a succinct and intuitive way.
Concerns:
In the instructions, the “*” is used sometimes for multiplication and other times is omitted. For example it shows sin(.5*t) and sin(2t) on the same line. It would be better to just display the simple sin(.5t) and sin(2t) type notation.
Creative Commons:
Search by ISBN?
It looks like you have entered an ISBN number. Would you like to search using what you have
entered as an ISBN number?
Searching for Members?
You entered an email address. Would you like to search for members? Click Yes to continue. If no, materials will be displayed first. You can refine your search with the options on the left of the results page.
Searching for Members?
You entered an email address. Would you like to search for members? Click Yes to continue. If no, materials will be displayed first. You can refine your search with the options on the left of the results page.
