Unit 9: Parametric Equations, Polar Coordinates & Vector-Valued Functions
单元 9:参数方程、 极坐标与向量值函数
Extend calculus to curves in the plane — parametric & polar derivatives, arc length, vector motion, and polar areas. BC Only.
将微积分扩展到平面曲线 —— 参数方程与极坐标的导数、弧长、向量运动以及极坐标面积。仅 BC。
11–12% of AP Exam占 AP 考试 11–12%~10–11 Class Periods约 10–11 课时9 Topics9 个主题
Topic 9.1
Defining and Differentiating Parametric Equations
参数方程(parametric equations)的定义与求导
Parametric Equations参数方程A curve is defined by $x = f(t)$ and $y = g(t)$, where $t$ is the parameter. Each value of $t$ gives a point $(x, y)$ on the curve.一条参数曲线(parametric curve)由 $x = f(t)$ 与 $y = g(t)$ 定义,其中 $t$ 是参数(parameter)。每一个 $t$ 值对应曲线上的一个点 $(x, y)$。
The slope of the tangent line to a parametric curve is found using the chain rule:
Common Exam Trap常见考试陷阱Students often compute $\frac{dy}{dt}$ or $\frac{dx}{dt}$ alone and forget to divide. The slope of the tangent is the ratio $\frac{dy}{dx}$, not either derivative alone.学生常常只算出 $\frac{dy}{dt}$ 或 $\frac{dx}{dt}$,却忘了相除。切线斜率是比值 $\frac{dy}{dx}$,而不是其中任何一个导数本身。
Worked Example
例题
Given: x = t² + 1, y = t³ − 3tFind dy/dx at t = 2.
dx/dt = 2t → at t=2: dx/dt = 4
dy/dt = 3t² − 3 → at t=2: dy/dt = 9
dy/dx = 9/4
Biggest Exam Trap in Unit 9单元 9 最大陷阱Students often compute $\frac{d^2y}{dt^2} \div \frac{d^2x}{dt^2}$. This is WRONG. You must first find $\frac{dy}{dx}$ as a function of $t$, differentiate that with respect to $t$, then divide by $\frac{dx}{dt}$.学生常常去算 $\frac{d^2y}{dt^2} \div \frac{d^2x}{dt^2}$,这是错误的。正确做法是先把 $\frac{dy}{dx}$ 写成关于 $t$ 的函数,再对它关于 $t$ 求导,最后除以 $\frac{dx}{dt}$。
$$ L = \int_{a}^{b} \sqrt{\left(\frac{dx}{dt}\right)^2 + \left(\frac{dy}{dt}\right)^2} dt $$
Key Idea核心思想The integrand $\sqrt{(x'(t))^2 + (y'(t))^2}$ represents the speed of the particle at time $t$. Integrating speed over time gives the total distance (arc length).被积函数 $\sqrt{(x'(t))^2 + (y'(t))^2}$ 表示质点在时间 $t$ 处的速率(speed)。对速率沿时间积分,得到的就是总路程(即弧长)。
Exam Note考试提示On the AP exam, you'll typically set up the integral and evaluate with a calculator. Focus on writing the correct integrand and limits of integration.在 AP 考试中,通常你只需要列出积分式并用计算器求值。重点是写对被积函数和积分上下限。
Worked Example — Arc Length例题 —— 弧长
Find the length of the curve x = 3t, y = 4t, for 0 ≤ t ≤ 5.
dx/dt = 3, dy/dt = 4
L = ∫₀⁵ √(9 + 16) dt = ∫₀⁵ 5 dt = 25(This is just a line segment of length 25 — makes sense!)
Practice: Find the arc length of $x = 5\cos(t), \; y = 5\sin(t)$ for $0 \leq t \leq 2\pi$. (Hint: this is a circle of radius 5.)
练习:求 $x = 5\cos(t), \; y = 5\sin(t)$ 在 $0 \leq t \leq 2\pi$ 上的弧长。(提示:这是半径为 5 的圆。)
Topic 9.4
Defining and Differentiating Vector-Valued Functions
向量值函数(vector-valued function)的定义与求导
Vector-Valued Function向量值函数A function of the form $\mathbf{r}(t) = \langle x(t), y(t) \rangle = x(t)\mathbf{i} + y(t)\mathbf{j}$. It gives the position of a particle in the plane at time $t$.形如 $\mathbf{r}(t) = \langle x(t), y(t) \rangle = x(t)\mathbf{i} + y(t)\mathbf{j}$ 的函数,给出质点在时间 $t$ 处于平面中的位置(position)。
Connection联系Parametric equations and vector-valued functions describe the exact same thing — planar motion. The notation is different, but the calculus is identical.参数方程与向量值函数描述的是同一件事 —— 平面运动(planar motion)。记号不同,但微积分的内容完全一样。
Initial Value Problems初值问题Given $\mathbf{v}(t) = \langle x'(t), y'(t) \rangle$ and an initial position $\mathbf{r}(t_0) = \langle x_0, y_0 \rangle$, integrate each component and solve for the constants using the initial conditions.已知 $\mathbf{v}(t) = \langle x'(t), y'(t) \rangle$ 和初始位置 $\mathbf{r}(t_0) = \langle x_0, y_0 \rangle$,对每个分量积分,再用初始条件解出积分常数。
Displacement ≠ Distance位移 ≠ 路程Displacement = net change in position (a vector). Distance = total path length (always a positive scalar). Integrate the velocity vector for displacement; integrate speed (magnitude of velocity) for distance.位移是位置的净变化(一个向量);路程是总路径长度(一个正的标量)。对速度向量积分得到位移;对速率(速度的模,magnitude)积分得到路程。
Speed Increasing vs Decreasing速率递增还是递减Speed is increasing when the velocity and acceleration vectors "agree" — specifically, when the dot product $\mathbf{v}(t) \cdot \mathbf{a}(t) > 0$. Speed is decreasing when $\mathbf{v}(t) \cdot \mathbf{a}(t) < 0$.当速度向量与加速度向量(acceleration vector)"方向一致"时,速率在增加 —— 具体来说,就是点积 $\mathbf{v}(t) \cdot \mathbf{a}(t) > 0$。当 $\mathbf{v}(t) \cdot \mathbf{a}(t) < 0$ 时,速率在减小。
A particle moves with velocity $\mathbf{v}(t) = \langle 3, 4 \rangle$. What is its speed?质点(particle)以速度 $\mathbf{v}(t) = \langle 3, 4 \rangle$ 运动,其速率是多少?
Speed is the magnitude of the velocity vector: $\sqrt{3^2 + 4^2} = \sqrt{25} = 5$. Don't just add the components!速率是速度向量的模:$\sqrt{3^2 + 4^2} = \sqrt{25} = 5$。不要直接把两个分量相加!
Practice: A particle has velocity $\mathbf{v}(t) = \langle 2t, 3 \rangle$ and position $\mathbf{r}(0) = \langle 1, -2 \rangle$. Find $x(2)$.
Defining Polar Coordinates & Differentiating in Polar Form
极坐标(polar coordinate)的定义与极坐标求导
Polar Coordinates极坐标A point is described by $(r, \theta)$ where $r$ = directed distance from origin and $\theta$ = angle from positive x-axis. Convert to rectangular: $x = r\cos(\theta)$, $y = r\sin(\theta)$.一个点用 $(r, \theta)$ 表示,其中 $r$ 是从极点(pole)出发的有向距离(极径,radius),$\theta$ 是从极轴(polar axis)量起的角度(极角,angle)。极坐标与直角坐标的转换:$x = r\cos(\theta)$,$y = r\sin(\theta)$。
A polar curve $r = f(\theta)$ is a special case of parametric equations where $\theta$ is the parameter:
Product Rule Required!必须用乘积法则!Because $x = r\cos(\theta)$ and $y = r\sin(\theta)$, you must use the product rule when differentiating with respect to $\theta$. Remember: $r$ is a function of $\theta$.因为 $x = r\cos(\theta)$、$y = r\sin(\theta)$,对 $\theta$ 求导时必须使用乘积法则。记住:$r$ 是 $\theta$ 的函数。
Topic 9.8
Area of a Polar Region — Single Curve
极坐标区域的面积 —— 单曲线
Polar Area Formula极坐标面积公式
$$ A = \frac{1}{2} \int_{\alpha}^{\beta} [r(\theta)]^2 d\theta $$
Where It Comes From公式由来The area of a thin circular sector with radius $r$ and angle $d\theta$ is $\frac{1}{2}r^2 d\theta$. Integrating these sectors from $\theta = \alpha$ to $\theta = \beta$ gives total area.半径为 $r$、角度为 $d\theta$ 的薄圆扇形的面积是 $\frac{1}{2}r^2 d\theta$。把这些扇形从 $\theta = \alpha$ 到 $\theta = \beta$ 积分,就得到极坐标曲线所围面积。
Common Exam Traps常见考试陷阱1. Forgetting the $\frac{1}{2}$ in front of the integral.1. 忘记积分前的 $\frac{1}{2}$。2. Forgetting to square $r$ — the integrand is $[r(\theta)]^2$.2. 忘记把 $r$ 平方 —— 被积函数是 $[r(\theta)]^2$。3. Using wrong limits — sketch the curve first to identify bounds!3. 积分上下限写错 —— 先画出极坐标曲线再确定边界!
Worked Example — Area of One Petal of $r = \cos(2\theta)$例题 —— 求 $r = \cos(2\theta)$ 一个花瓣的面积
r = cos(2θ) is a rose with 4 petals.One petal: from θ = −π/4 to θ = π/4 (where r ≥ 0).
A = ½ ∫−π/4π/4 [cos(2θ)]² dθ
Use identity: cos²(u) = (1 + cos(2u))/2
A = ½ ∫−π/4π/4 (1 + cos(4θ))/2 dθ = ¼ [θ + sin(4θ)/4]−π/4π/4
A = ¼ [(π/4 + 0) − (−π/4 + 0)] = ¼ · π/2 = π/8
r = cos(2θ) 是一个 4 瓣玫瑰线。一个花瓣:θ 从 −π/4 到 π/4(此时 r ≥ 0)。
A = ½ ∫−π/4π/4 [cos(2θ)]² dθ
用恒等式:cos²(u) = (1 + cos(2u))/2
A = ½ ∫−π/4π/4 (1 + cos(4θ))/2 dθ = ¼ [θ + sin(4θ)/4]−π/4π/4
A = ¼ [(π/4 + 0) − (−π/4 + 0)] = ¼ · π/2 = π/8
What is the area enclosed by the polar curve $r = 3$ from $\theta = 0$ to $\theta = 2\pi$?极坐标曲线 $r = 3$ 在 $\theta = 0$ 到 $\theta = 2\pi$ 所围的面积是多少?
$9\pi$
$3\pi$
$6\pi$
$18\pi$
Correct! $A = \frac{1}{2} \int_{0}^{2\pi} (3)^2 d\theta = \frac{1}{2}(9)(2\pi) = 9\pi$. Makes sense, as it's a circle of radius $3$ ($\pi r^2 = 9\pi$).正确!$A = \frac{1}{2} \int_{0}^{2\pi} (3)^2 d\theta = \frac{1}{2}(9)(2\pi) = 9\pi$。这正是半径为 $3$ 的圆的面积($\pi r^2 = 9\pi$)。
See the shaded area swept out by $r = 1 + \cos(\theta)$ (cardioid) as $\beta$ increases. The area accumulates as $\frac{1}{2}\int_0^{\beta} r^2\,d\theta$.
Key Steps关键步骤1. Sketch both curves to identify which is outer vs inner.1. 画出两条曲线,分辨外曲线与内曲线。2. Find intersection points by setting $r_1 = r_2$ (these determine $\alpha$ and $\beta$).2. 解 $r_1 = r_2$ 找出交点(这些点确定 $\alpha$ 与 $\beta$)。3. Apply the formula: subtract squares inside the integral, not outside.3. 代公式:把两个平方放到积分内部相减,不要在积分外面相减。
Exam Strategy
How Unit 9 Appears on the AP Exam
单元 9 在 AP 考试中的考法
MC
MCQ — Common Question Styles选择题 —— 常见题型
Find $\frac{dy}{dx}$ for a parametric curve at a specific t-value.
在指定的 t 值处求 $\frac{dy}{dx}$(参数曲线)。
Set up an arc length or polar area integral (frequently without evaluating).
列出弧长或极坐标面积的积分(常常无需求值)。
Determine speed, velocity, or acceleration from vector components.
由向量分量求速率、速度或加速度。
Identify horizontal/vertical tangents on parametric curves.
判断参数曲线上的水平切线或垂直切线。
FR
FRQ — Common Question Styles自由作答题 —— 常见题型
Particle in the plane: Given velocity components, find position, speed, total distance, or acceleration. Heavily involves initial value problems.
平面内的质点:给出速度分量,求位置、速率、总路程或加速度。这类题往往涉及初值问题。
Polar area: Set up and evaluate area integrals, often between two curves or for one petal of a rose.
极坐标面积:列出并计算面积积分,常见的是两条曲线之间的面积,或玫瑰线一个花瓣的面积。
Top Mistakes That Lose Points最常失分的错误1. Computing $\frac{d^2y}{dx^2}$ by dividing $\frac{d^2y}{dt^2}$ by $\frac{d^2x}{dt^2}$.1. 用 $\frac{d^2y}{dt^2}$ 除以 $\frac{d^2x}{dt^2}$ 来算 $\frac{d^2y}{dx^2}$。2. Forgetting the $\frac{1}{2}$ or the square in polar area integrals.2. 极坐标面积积分里忘掉 $\frac{1}{2}$ 或忘记把 $r$ 平方。3. Confusing displacement (vector) with distance traveled (scalar integral of speed).3. 把位移(向量)与路程(速率的标量积分)弄混。4. Forgetting initial conditions $+C$ in vector IVPs.4. 在向量初值问题里忘记加初始条件给出的 $+C$。
Review
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First derivative $\frac{dy}{dx}$ for parametric curves?参数曲线的一阶导数 $\frac{dy}{dx}$?
$\frac{dx}{dt} = 2t$ and $\frac{dy}{dt} = 2$. Divide $\frac{dy}{dt}$ by $\frac{dx}{dt}$ to get $\frac{2}{2t} = \frac{1}{t}$.$\frac{dx}{dt} = 2t$、$\frac{dy}{dt} = 2$。用 $\frac{dy}{dt}$ 除以 $\frac{dx}{dt}$ 得到 $\frac{2}{2t} = \frac{1}{t}$。
2. To find $\frac{d^2y}{dx^2}$ for a parametric curve, you should:2. 求参数曲线的 $\frac{d^2y}{dx^2}$,应当:
Divide $\frac{d^2y}{dt^2}$ by $\frac{d^2x}{dt^2}$用 $\frac{d^2y}{dt^2}$ 除以 $\frac{d^2x}{dt^2}$
Take the derivative of $\frac{dy}{dx}$ with respect to $x$对 $\frac{dy}{dx}$ 关于 $x$ 求导
Take $\frac{d}{dt}\left[\frac{dy}{dx}\right]$ and divide by $\frac{dx}{dt}$先算 $\frac{d}{dt}\left[\frac{dy}{dx}\right]$,再除以 $\frac{dx}{dt}$
Square $\frac{dy}{dx}$把 $\frac{dy}{dx}$ 平方
Correct! $\frac{d^2y}{dx^2} = \frac{\frac{d}{dt}(\frac{dy}{dx})}{\frac{dx}{dt}}$. This is heavily tested!正确!$\frac{d^2y}{dx^2} = \frac{\frac{d}{dt}(\frac{dy}{dx})}{\frac{dx}{dt}}$。这一点几乎每年都考!
The correct process is to differentiate $\frac{dy}{dx}$ with respect to $t$, then divide that result by $\frac{dx}{dt}$.正确流程:先对 $\frac{dy}{dx}$ 关于 $t$ 求导,再把结果除以 $\frac{dx}{dt}$。
3. The total distance traveled by a particle with velocity $\mathbf{v}(t) = \langle \cos t, \sin t \rangle$ from $t = 0$ to $t = \pi$ is:3. 质点速度为 $\mathbf{v}(t) = \langle \cos t, \sin t \rangle$,从 $t = 0$ 到 $t = \pi$ 的总路程是: