The parametric equations of a curve are
\(x = a(2\theta - \sin 2\theta)\), \(y = a(1 - \cos 2\theta)\).
Show that \(\frac{dy}{dx} = \cot \theta\).
Solution
First, find \(\frac{dx}{d\theta}\) and \(\frac{dy}{d\theta}\):
\(\frac{dx}{d\theta} = a(2 - 2\cos 2\theta) = 2a(1 - \cos 2\theta)\)
\(\frac{dy}{d\theta} = a(2\sin 2\theta)\)
Now, use the chain rule to find \(\frac{dy}{dx}\):
\(\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{dy/d\theta}{dx/d\theta} = \frac{2a\sin 2\theta}{2a(1 - \cos 2\theta)}\)
Simplify the expression:
\(\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{\sin 2\theta}{1 - \cos 2\theta}\)
Using the identity \(\sin 2\theta = 2\sin \theta \cos \theta\) and \(1 - \cos 2\theta = 2\sin^2 \theta\), we have:
\(\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{2\sin \theta \cos \theta}{2\sin^2 \theta} = \frac{\cos \theta}{\sin \theta} = \cot \theta\)
Log in to record attempts.