18.0k views
0 votes
Find the exact length of the curve. Use a graph to determine the parameter interval.

r = cos^2(theta/2)

1 Answer

6 votes
The formula for the length of a polar curve isr2+(dr/dθ)2 from a to b.

In this case, dr/d
θ is the derivative of the function r which is equal to -cos (theta/2) * sin (theta/2) which is equal to -1/2 cos theta. Since there are no limits defined, we leave the formula as it is but one can use the calculator if there are limits present already
User Miebster
by
8.3k points