Microcomputer-Assisted Mathematics: Computer-Assisted Polar Graphing

Faced with the dilemma of how to teach polar coordinates? Whether the subject is being introduced at the secondary school or college level, the problem is the same. At either level, the objectives include the following; (1) introduce a new coordinate system, relating (x, y) rectangular coordinates to (r, Q) polar coordinates; (2) enable the students to plot polar equations; (3) acquaint students with standard types of polar graphs; and (4) find points of intersection of two polar graphs. This article presents a method of using the microcomputer to teach polar coordinates and graphing in an effective, interesting way, avoiding the drudgery of having students plot hundreds of points.