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Form Meets Function: Polar Graphing Project: Directions
Form Meets Function: Polar Graphing Project: Directions
You will create a unique design using the graph of a single polar equation. Not only will your
choice of equation determine your individual design, but also your choice of TI-83+ window
settings.
Directions:
1. Create a design depicting a recognizable object (as opposed to an abstract design).
2. Choose a creative title for your design.
3. Use a single polar equation as the basis for your design. You may choose to embellish
the background with other shapes, but the polar graph must be the focal point of the
design.
4. Accurately plot points for your equation on the polar graph paper provided (plot points
at least every 15 degrees). In your table settings, make sure Tbl matches the value of
your step so that your plotted points correspond to the graph displayed on your
calculator.
5. Fill the polar graph paper as much as possible, and accent your design with color.
6. Your design should exhibit originality, complexity, and creativity. A simple rose curve,
for example, is not a complex design. A flower is not highly creative or original.
Experiment!
7. Record the equation and TI-83+ window settings used to produce the graph.
Examples:
2
r tan 5 1 3 Window Setting: 5 0,360 X1 10,10 Y1 6.5, 6.5
Title: ___________________________________________
This project is worth a total of 75 points. Of those 75 points, 60 points will be assessed using the
project criteria. The remaining 15 points will be assessed based on your responses to the self-
reflection questions listed below.
Self-Reflection Questions: (Continue on the back of this sheet if you need more room.)
1. In what ways did you experiment mathematically while working on this assignment?
2. What did you learn from doing this assignment?
3. Did you enjoy working on this assignment? Why or why not?
Equation:
min X min Y min
max X max Y max
step Xscl Yscl
Equation: r 2 2cos
Window : /12 0, 2 X1 4, 4 Y1 4, 4
2. Now change the step to / 4 and describe the change in appearance that occurs. Why
does the graph appear different?
Equation: r 2 2cos
Window : /4 0, 2 X1 4, 4 Y1 4, 4
3. Now change the minimum and maximum values displayed on the horizontal axis to -6 and 6,
respectively. Describe the change in appearance that occurs. Why does the graph appear
different?
Equation: r 2 2cos
Window : /4 0, 2 X1 6, 6 Y1 4, 4
4. The minimum and maximum values of also affect the display of the graph. Change the
maximum value of to . Describe the change in appearance that occurs. Why does the
graph appear different?
Equation: r 2 2cos
Window : /4 0, X1 6, 6 Y1 4, 4
5. Using a square window and a small step will give the most accurate display of the graph.
Change the step to / 24 and the maximum value of to 2 .
Equation: r 2 2cos
Window : /24 0, 2 X1 6, 6 Y1 4, 4