Special Plane Curves Examples

The following examples demonstrate how to mathematically analyze the complex parametric equations defining the geometric properties of higher plane curves like the cycloid, and how to uniquely identify specific polar coordinates creating a standard lemniscate.

Example 1: Analyzing the Cycloid Cusp

A fixed point located on the circular perimeter of a rolling wheel traces a cycloid. The wheel has a constant radius of a=5a=5 inches. Calculate the exact horizontal Cartesian x-coordinate where the first sharp cusp occurs (excluding the starting origin at x=0x=0).

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Example 2: Lemniscate Radial Distance

Given the polar equation r2=36cos(2θ)r^2 = 36 \cos(2\theta) representing a symmetrical lemniscate, calculate the absolute maximum scalar radial distance rr from the central origin.

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