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maxima; the latter a minimum; the position of the maximum

value being found by taking 0 = 60°.

Since in the Trisectrix the equation is

p = r . (1 + 2 cos. 0)'

and here

ér. (1 + cos. )

the analogy between the curves is very evident. We may, in fact, derive the Trisectrix from the latter by constantly taking Mm = CN. They will intersect when = 90° scil. in M'. The Trisectrix will pass through the centre C; for at A, CN becomes negatively radius, and =0. When = 2r, p′ = Ab = 3r.

P

P

Multiplying the two equations together, &c., the result p = ± √ 4 + 12 cos. 0 + 9 cos. 20 will represent the com

cos.

2

pound curve.

2

For a complete discussion of the Trisectrix, see Trisection de l'Angle, par Azemar et Garnier, Paris, 1809.

The problem may be generalized, by requiring the LOCUS of the intersection of the tangent and perpendicular let fall upon it, from any point given in position, of any curve whose polar equation is

r = ƒ (p)

r being the radius vector, and ƒ (p) any function of the corresponding upon the tangent.

First, let (A) the given point be also the pole of the given

curve.

Let P and Q (Fig. 21) be two points indefinitely near in the given curve BPQ, and corresponding tangents Pp, Qq. Also let p, q, be the intersections of these tangents with the perpendiculars Ap, Aq, and suppose pqc the locus required.

Since P, Q, and .. p, q, are indefinitely near, p q being joined and produced will touch the locus in p, and p q will be a straight

line. Draw Ay pq. Again, because the Z at p, and 9. are right angles, and Q and P may be considered as coincident, a semicircle may be described passing through A Ppq.

=

Hence ypA pPA, and the p and y are right.

.A Apy is similar to ▲ ApP, and we have

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Let Ay, Ap (p) = p, and AP = r,

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the radius vector p, and the perpendicular upon the tangent of the required locus. Hence .. the locus may be found.

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the equation between the radius vector, and polar angle of the Locus.

Equations (a) and (b) will each determine the locus when its pole is coincident with that of the given curve. But when its pole (A') does not coincide with A, let p'q', &c., be the required locus, and put A'p' é, p'A'B = 6',

=

the given distance AA′ = a,

and the given AA'B = B. Draw AM ▲ A'p'.

Then Aq, A'q' are 1 Qq, and A'p, A'p' are 1Pp, the ▲q'A'p' is evidently 2qAp,

=

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√ {ƒ.?—a.cos. (a-0')}2 - (p'—a.cos.a — 0′)2

(b').

by the integration of which we may find the locus wherever the given point, and the pole of the given curve, may be situated.

The formula (b), which will generally be most commodious in practice, may readily be exemplified by applying it to the solution of our problem.

Since RM (Fig. 20,) touches the O in R, the ≤ MRA, = <RBA, and .. the right-angled ▲ ARM, ARB, are similar.

Hence AM. AB = AR1, or making (as before) AC = 1, and AM = p = p, and AR = r,

2p = r2

:. r = √√2p = √ 2p = ƒ (p)

Hence by substituting in equation (b), the negative sign being taken, because dp and do have different signs,

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Let 0. Then p = 2, and C vers. 1 2.

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--

vers. 1

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=1+cos. 0, the same as before determined.

Ex. 2. Let the given curve be the common parabola referred to its focus.

The latus rectum being called (1) it is known that

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.. by substitution in equat. (b) we get, (measuring

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and =
Р

4

. sec. 0, which is the equation of a straight

line at the vertex to the line joining the focus and vertex of the parabola.

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Ex. 3. Let the given curve be the common cycloid; required the locus of the intersection of the tangents and perpendiculars upon them from the centre of the generating circle.

Since PT (Fig. 19,) touches the cycloid, it is parallel to AB (PM being AO, &c. &c.)

Then Op being 1AQ is also 1 TP.

Let AOD = 0, AO = 1, Op, the radius vector of the locus = p. Then CG being joined and produced to G since ABG = R. 4, CG is parallel Op, and G is a R. Z.

Hence, the A PBG, MBC, are similar, and

.. Dp = BG : BP :: BM : BC But BParc AB (by property of cycloid) = 4 AOB = 20

BMOB. sin. 20 sin. 20

CA

and BC OD ×

=20D 2 cos. 0

OA

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Hence

f = OD + Dp cos. + 20. sin. 6, the equation of the locus.

After due attention to the above discussion (which will be useful hereafter in the theory of the Aberration of Light), the student may proceed to find the Locus of the intersections of the tangents, and perpendiculars of the first locus of a given curve; the locus of the intersections of tangents and perpendiculars of the second locus, and so on to any number of Loci. He will thus obtain many curious and interesting results.

28.

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To trace and construct the curve whose equation is, 13 + bx2

In the equation

y = ±x./b+x... (a) let x = 0, c, and — b. The cor

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responding values of y are±0,±——= ∞, 0. Hence, if from A

(Fig. 22,) the origin of abscissæ, we take AC = c AB = – b, and draw CD, Cd 1 BC, the curve will pass through A, and B, and CD, Cd will be asymptotes to the infinite branches AE, Ae. Also for all values of x > c, or > ( — b) (the sign not being considered), the values of y are imaginary.

Again, putting ◊ = inclination the tangent to the axis, we have

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Let x 0, and b, and the corresponding values of tan.

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