AP Calculus BC 9.7 Defining Polar Coordinates and Differentiating in Polar Form Questions

Review polar derivatives by differentiating r with respect to theta and forming tangent slopes from polar coordinates at the required angle.

Syllabus
Effective Fall 2025
Course
AP Calculus BC

Question 1

[Maximum number: 3]

Curve C is defined by the polar equation r(θ)=2sin2θr(\theta)=2 \sin ^{2} \theta for 0θπ0 \leq \theta \leq \pi. Curve C and the semicircle r=12r=\frac{1}{2} for 0θπ0 \leq \theta \leq \pi are shown in the x y-plane.

Figure for Question 1 — AP Calculus BC

(Note: Your calculator should be in radian mode.)

Question (a)

(a)

Find the rate of change of r with respect to θ\theta at the point on curve C where θ=1.3\theta=1.3. Show the setup for your calculations.

[ 1 ]

Question (b)

(b)

A particle travels along curve C so that dθdt=15\frac{d \theta}{d t}=15 for all times t. Find the rate at which the particle's distance from the origin changes with respect to time when the particle is at the point where θ=1.3\theta=1.3. Show the setup for your calculations.

[ 2 ]
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