How do you graph #r = 2 + tan(theta)#?

1 Answer
Apr 29, 2016

The form is r = #r_1 + r_2#, where #r_1 = 2# for a circle, with center at pole and radius = 2. #r_2 = tan theta#. Radially, #(r, theta)# is distant #tan theta#, from #(2, theta)# on the circle. .

Explanation:

The asymptotes to this 4-branch curve are #theta = pi/2# and the

opposite #theta=(3pi)/2#.

Due to infinite discontinuities at #theta = pi/2 and theta=(3pi)/2#, .the

four branches for #theta in [0, pi/2), (pi/2, pi], [pi, (3pi)/2) and ((3pi)/2, pi]# are traced in the four quadrants, in the order, ist, 3rd,

2nd and 4th. They brace the circle r =2 at (2, 0) and (2, #pi#).