Polar Tracer

(use with UCSMP Precalculus and Discrete Mathematics, Lesson 8-3)

If you can't see the demo above, click here.

Directions

This interactive applet demonstrates how polar equations work. You can enter an arbitrary polar equation by entering the function at the top left. You can then trace various values of each function by clicking and dragging on the rectangular graph. Note that once you've stopped dragging the mouse you will need to click several times on the rectangular graph and grid to reactivate the red dot. To turn off the trace feature simply click the box labeled "Trace" at the upper left. You can also enter your own ranges for t and r.