Wize University Calculus 2 Textbook > Parametric & Polar Curves
Calculus w/ Polar Coordinates
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Tangents of Polar Curves (Derivatives)
First Derivative
(a.k.a slope of the tangent to the curve)
*Recall that ,
The polar curve has
- A Horizontal Tangent when
- and
- A Vertical Tangent when
- and
*If both and , use L'Hosputal's rule
Practice Question
Find the slope of the tangent line to the curve at
Practice: Tangents
Consider the polar curve where .
a) Find the slope of the tangent line to the curve at .
b) Find all points at which the tangent line to the curve is horizontal.
c) Find all points at which the tangent line to the curve is vertical.

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Applications of Polar Curves
Consider the polar curve where . Suppose that is continuous on and the curve is traversed exactly once on .
Arc Length
Areas Under the Curve
Area Bounded Between Two Polar Curves
Wize Tip
Always graph the curves before using the formula!
Practice: Arc Length
Compute the total length of the curve for and
Practice: Area Under Polar Curve
Find the area inside .
Practice Question
Write the integral representing the area of the inner loop of
Practice: Area Between Polar Curves
Find the area of the region lying inside the limacon curve of equation , but outside the circle = 2.