AP Calculus BC Fun 3 G Calculate Derivatives of Functions Written in Polar Coordinates Questions
Practice AP Calculus BC questions on differentiating polar equations and interpreting slopes or rates with respect to the polar angle.
Syllabus
Effective Fall 2025
Course
AP Calculus BC
AP Calculus BC Fun 3 G Calculate Derivatives of Functions Written in Polar Coordinates Questions question 1
[Maximum number: 3]
Curve C is defined by the polar equation r(θ)=2sin2θ for 0≤θ≤π. Curve C and the semicircle r=21 for 0≤θ≤π are shown in the x y-plane.
(Note: Your calculator should be in radian mode.)
Question (a)
(a)
Find the rate of change of r with respect to θ at the point on curve C where θ=1.3. Show the setup for your calculations.
[ 1 ]
} \\ \hline &
dθdrθ=1.3=1.031003
The rate of change of r with respect to θ at the point on curve C where θ=1.3 is 1.031.
& Answer with setup Point 1 (P1) \\ \hline \end{tabular}
Scoring Notes for Part A
- An exact answer of dθdrθ=1.3=4sin(1.3)cos(1.3) earns P1.
- To earn P1, a response must indicate differentiation of r and provide the correct answer. A reported
answer should be accurate to three places after the decimal point, rounded or truncated. An
inappropriately rounded answer does not earn the point.
○ Examples of responses with correct communication include dθdrθ=1.3=1.031 and
r′(1.3)=1.031.
○ Responses with incorrect communication, such as r′(θ)=1.031,r′=1.031, or dθdr=1.031,
are sufficient to earn P1.
Question (b)
(b)
A particle travels along curve C so that dtdθ=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. Show the setup for your calculations.
[ 2 ]
D A particle travels along curve C so that dtdθ=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.