You can adjust the coefficients, [math]a[/math] and [math]b[/math] of [math]r=a\cos b\theta[/math] to see who they affect its graph.[br]Trace the curve by clicking "Animate." Watch as the angle goes from [math]0[/math] to [math]2\pi[/math]. If you want to switch to a sine graph, simply click the box. You can also choose to show the order that the petals appear by selecting "Show Petal Order."
What do we get if [math]b[/math] is an odd number? If [math]b[/math] is even?
How does switching from sine to cosine affect the graph?