MANGALORE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING

Accredited by NAAC with A+ Grade, An ISO 9001: 2015 Certified Institution

(A Unit of Rajalaxmi Education Trust®, Mangalore - 575001)
Affiliated to V.T.U., Belagavi, Approved by AICTE, New Delhi.

DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS

MODULE -1: CALCULUS

CONTENTS:
Introduction to polar coordinates and curvature relating to Compute Science & Engineering
 Polar coordinates, Polar curves,
 angle between the radius vector and the tangent, angle between two curves.
 Pedal equations.
 Curvature and Radius of curvature - Cartesian, Parametric, Polar and Pedal forms.

Self-study: Center and circle of curvature, Evolutes and Involutes.

Applications: Communication signals, Manufacturing of microphones, and Image processing.

(RBT Levels: L1, L2 and L3)

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

After Completion of this module, student will be able to:

 Understand the fundamentals of the differential calculus of functions of one variable.

 Transform the coordinates from Cartesian to Polar and vice versa.
 Apply concepts of calculus to find angle between polar curves
 Apply concepts of calculus to find Curvature and Radius of Curvature for curves defined in
different forms

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(A Unit of Rajalaxmi Education Trust®, Mangalore - 575001)
Affiliated to V.T.U., Belagavi, Approved by AICTE, New Delhi.

DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS

RECAPITULATION: CALCULUS
Calculus is a branch mathematics concerned with the calculation of instantaneous rates of
change (Differential calculus) and the summation of infinitely many small factors to determine
some whole (Integral Calculus).

Differential calculus is concerned with the study of rate of change of a continuous function.
It is the study of the rate of change of dependent variable with respect to independent variable.
The fundamental tool of differential calculus is derivative. Graphically, derivative represents the
slope of the tangent at a point on the curve

RECAPITULATION: FUNCTIONS OF SINGLE VARIABLE:

The concept of functions is important in calculus because they play a key role in describing
the real world problems in mathematical terms. The distance travelled by an object from an
initial location along a straight line path depends on its speed. The interest paid on a cash
investment depends on the length of time the investment is held. The area of a circle depends on
the radius of the circle. In each case, the value of one variable quantity, which might be called as
y, depends on the value of another variable quantity, which might be called x. Since the value of
y is completely determined by the value of x, it’s said that y is a function of x. Often the value of
y is given by a rule or formula that says how to calculate it from the variable x. For instance, 𝐴 =
𝜋 𝑟 2 , the equation is a rule that calculates the area A of a circle from its radius r.

A symbolic way to say ‘y is a function of x’ is by writing 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥). In this notation, the

symbol ƒ represents the function. The variable x is independent variable, represents the input
value of ƒ, and y, the dependent variable, represents the corresponding output value of ƒ at x.

REQUIREMENT OF NEW COORDINATE SYSTEMS:

Cartesian coordinate system for specifies a point in the XY – plane in two-dimensional geometry
and XYZ- space in three- dimensional geometry. The requirement to define any new coordinate
system is two-fold.

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DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS

 One is based on geometry of the problem of practical situation wherein a more suitable
coordinate system has to be chosen. For ex., the study of dispersion of a medicine injected
in blood flow requires cylindrical coordinate system as the veins are cylindrical in nature.
Use of Cartesian system may not be very suitable as it represents a rectangular channel and
the corner effects have to be taken care.
 The second requirement is more of theoretical in nature. A mathematical expression which
cannot be simplified in one coordinate system may be solved in simple way by transforming
to other coordinate systems. For ex., 𝑙𝑜𝑔(𝑥 + 𝑦) cannot be further simplified in Cartesian
system whereas it’s easier to solve in Polar coordinates.

INTRODUCTION TO POLAR COORDINATES AND POLAR CURVES:

A new coordinate system is introduced to understand the concept of polar curves and
their properties.

Any point P can be located on a plane with co-ordinates r ,  called polar coordinates
of P where r = radius vector OP, (with pole/origin ‘O’),  = angle made by OP with the initial
line OA.
P(r, ө)

The equation r  f   or 𝜃 = 𝑓(𝑟) r

O Ө A
or 𝑓(𝑟, 𝜃) = 𝑐 are known as a polar curve. r = f(ө)

Polar curve

RELATION BETWEEN CARTESIAN AND POLAR COORDINATES:

Consider a point 𝑃 in the 𝑥𝑦-plane. Join the points 𝑂 (origin) and 𝑃. Let 𝑟 be the length
of 𝑂𝑃 and 𝜃 be the angle which 𝑂𝑃 makes with the (positive) 𝑥-axis. The (𝑟, 𝜃) are called the
polar coordinates of the point 𝑃, and we write 𝑃 = (𝑟, 𝜃), or 𝑃(𝑟, 𝜃). In particular, 𝑟 is called the
radial distance and 𝜃 is called the polar angle. Also, 𝑂 is called the pole, the 𝑥-axis is called the
inital line and 𝑂𝑃 is called the radius vector.

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Affiliated to V.T.U., Belagavi, Approved by AICTE, New Delhi.

DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS

Let (𝑥, 𝑦) be the Cartesian coordinates of the point 𝑃. Then we find that

𝑥 = 𝑟 cos 𝜃 , 𝑦 = 𝑟 sin 𝜃 − −(1)

𝑦
=> 𝑟 = √𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 , 𝜃 = tan−1 ( ) − −(2)
𝑥
Relations (1) enables us to find the Cartesian coordinates when the polar coordinates are
known. Relations (2) enables us to find the polar coordinates (𝑟, 𝜃) when the Cartesian
coordinates (𝑥, 𝑦) are known. Thus, relations (1) define the transformation from the polar
coordinates to Cartesian coordinates and relations (2) defines the inverse transformation.

APPLICATIONS OF POLAR CURVES

• Polar coordinates are used often in navigation as the destination or direction of travel can be
given as an angle and distance from the object being considered.

• Apart from the mechanical systems, polar coordinates are extended to three dimensions
which helps in doing calculations on fields for example electric fields and magnetic fields
and the temperature fields.

• The GPS information contained within a gpx file specify the locations of points along a route
in polar coordinates, whose axes are latitude, longitude, and elevation.

Many more ….

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DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS

ANGLE BETWEEN THE RADIUS VECTOR AND THE TANGENT:

d
tan   r
WITH USUAL NOTATION PROVE THAT dr

Let “  ” be the angle between the radius vector OPL and the Y T

tangent 𝑇𝑃𝑈 at the point ‘P’ on the polar curve r  f   . L

∅
From Fig.
P(r, ө)
     (Exterior angle is equal to interior opposite angles) ∅

r
ψ
tan   tan 
tan  tan      O 𝜽
A
1  tan  tan  r = f(ө)
U
1’’

dy tan   tan 
i.e.  …………….(1)
dx 1  tan  tan 

On the other hand, we have x  r cos and y  r sin  differentiating these, w.r.t  ,

 dr   dr 
 r  sin    cos   r cos   sin  
dx dy
&
d  d  d  d 

 dr 
dy r cos   sin   
dy d
   d  dividing the numerator and denominator by dr cos
dx dx  dr 
r  sin    cos  
dθ
d  d 

d d
r  tan  tan   r
dy dr dr ……………. (2)
 
 d 
tan   1 1  tan   r
dx  r d

dr  dr 

Comparing equations (1) and (2)

d
we get tan   r
dr

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DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS

 1 dr 
NOTE: (i) cot   
 r d 

(ii) If 1 and 2 are the angles between

the radius vector and the tangents at

the point of intersection of two curves

r  f1   and r  f 2   then the angle

of intersection of the curves is given by

  1   2

(iii) Suppose we are not able to obtain 1 and 2 explicitly then

tan 1  tan 2
tan(1  2 ) 
1  tan 1 tan 2
𝜋
(iv) If tan 1 . tan  2  1 => 1 -  2 = (condition for the orthogonality of two polar curves)
2

FIND THE ANGLE BETWEEN TWO CURVES FOR THE FOLLOWING:

(1) 𝒓 = 𝟐(𝟏 + 𝒄𝒐𝒔𝜽) and 𝒓𝟐 = 𝟒𝒄𝒐𝒔𝟐𝜽

Solution: Consider 𝑟 2 = 4𝑐𝑜𝑠2𝜃

1 𝑑𝑟 −𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃
=
𝑟 𝑑𝜃 1+𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃
𝜃 𝜃
−2 sin ( ) cos ( )
𝑐𝑜𝑡𝜙1 = 2 2
𝜃
2𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 ( )
2
𝜃 𝜋 𝜃
𝑐𝑜𝑡𝜙1 = − tan ( ) = cot ( + )
2 2 2
𝜋 𝜃
𝜙1 = +
2 2
Consider 𝑟 2 = 4𝑐𝑜𝑠2𝜃

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DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS
𝑑𝑟 4𝑠𝑖𝑛2𝜃
=−
𝑑𝜃 𝑟
𝜋 
𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜙2 = − tan ( + 2𝜃)   2   2 .
2 2

We have to eliminate θ between the given curves,

𝑟 = 2(1 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃)d 𝑟 2 = 4𝑐𝑜𝑠2𝜃

Solving for 𝜃, we get

3(1  3)
  1  3  1   2 
2
𝑎𝜃 𝑎
(2) 𝑟 = and 𝑟 =
1+𝜃 1+𝜃2

a
Solution: Consider r 
1
1 1 1  1 
    1
r a a  
a dr
2   2
r d

1 dr r

r d a 2

d a 2
r 
dr r
𝑎𝜃2
𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜙 = 𝑎𝜃 tan 𝜙 = 𝜃(1 + 𝜃)
(1+𝜃)

𝑎
Consider 𝑟 =
1+𝜃2

𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑟 = 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝑎 − log(1 + 𝜃 2 )

1 𝑑𝑟 −2𝜃
=
𝑟 𝑑𝜃 1 + 𝜃 2
−2𝜃
𝑐𝑜𝑡𝜙 =
1 + 𝜃2

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DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS
1+𝜃2
𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜙 = −2𝜃
.

We have to eliminate θ between the given curves,

a 𝑎
r and 𝑟 =
1 1+𝜃 2

 3  1,  1

2−(−1) 3(1  3)
⟹ tan(𝜙1 − 𝜙2 ) =  1   2 
1+(−2) 2

FIND THE ANGLE OF INTERSECTION FOR THE FOLLOWING PAIRS OF CURVES:

𝜋
i. 𝑟 = 𝑎 cos 𝜃 and 2𝑟 = 𝑎 Ans:
3
1
𝜋 cos−1 ( )
ii. 𝑟 = 𝑎 (1 − cos 𝜃) and 𝑟 = 2𝑎 cos 𝜃 Ans: + 3
2 2
𝜋
iii. 𝑟 = 2(1 + cos 𝜃) and 𝑟 = 6 cos 𝜃 Ans:
2

PROVE THAT THE FOLLOWING POLAR CURVES INTERSECT ORTHOGONALLY

𝜃 𝜃
i. 𝑟 = 𝑎 sec 2 ( ) and 𝑟 = 𝑏 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 ( )
2 2

ii. 𝑟 𝑛 = 𝑎𝑛 cos 𝑛𝜃 and 𝑟 𝑛 = 𝑏 𝑛 sin 𝑛𝜃

iii. 𝑟𝑒 𝜃 = 𝑎 and 𝑟 = 𝑏𝑒 𝜃

LENGTH OF THE PERPENDICULAR FROM POLE ON THE TANGENT:

WITH USUAL NOTATION PROVE THAT

1 1 1  dr 
(i) p  r sin  or (ii)  2 4  2

p 2
r r  d 

From the Fig., let ON = p, the length of the perpendicular from the pole to the tangent at p on
r  f  .

From the right angled triangle OPN,

ON
sin    ON  OP sin 
OP
φ
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DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS

i.e. p  r sin  .......... ....( i )

1 1 1
  cos ec
p r sin  r


1
2
1 1
 2 cos ec 2  2 1  cot 2   
p r r

1   1 dr  
2
1
 1    
p 2 r 2   r d  

2
1 1 1  dr 
 2  2  4  .......... ..(ii)
p r r  d 

NOTE: If u  , we get 2  u 2    .
1 1 du
r p  d 

WORKING RULES TO FIND PEDAL EQUATIONS:

(i) Eliminate r and  between the Equations (i) r  f   & p  r sin 
2
1  dr 
(ii) Eliminate only  between the Equations (i) r  f   & 2  2  4 
1 1

p r r  d 
Examples:
2𝑎
1. Determine the pedal equation for the Parabola = 1 − cos 𝜃
𝑟

2a
Solution: Consider  1  cos ……….(i)
r
Differentiating with respect to 
 1  dr
2 a  2   sin 
 r  d
1 dr  r sin

r d 2a
iv.
d 2a 1
r 
dr r sin

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DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS

 
2 sin 2  
tan   
1  cos    2  
  tan 
sin      2
2 sin  cos 
2 2
  
tan   tan        
 2 2
Using the value of  is p  r sin , we get

   
p  r sin    r sin .......... ...(ii)
 2 2

Eliminating ‘  ’ between (i) and (ii)

   1  cos  r  2a 
2
p 2  r 2 sin 2    r 2    
2  2  2 r 
p 2  ar is the required pedal equation

2. Determine the pedal equation for the equiangular spiral 𝒓 = 𝒆𝜽𝒄𝒐𝒕𝜶

Solution: Consider = 𝑒 𝜃𝑐𝑜𝑡𝛼 , Differentiating with respect to 

dr

 e cot  cot   r cot  r  e cot  
d
2
1 1 1  dr 
We know that  2  4 
p 2
r r  d 

1 1
  4 r cot 
2
2
r r

 4 cot2    2 1  cot2    2 cos ec2

1 1 1 1
 2
r r r r

1 1
2
 2 cosec2
p r

r2
p2 
cosec 2

r 2  p 2 cosec2 is the required pedal equation.

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DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS
3. Determine the pedal equation for the polar curve 𝑟 𝑚 = 𝑎𝑚 sin 𝑚𝜃 + 𝑏 𝑚 cos 𝑚𝜃.

Solution: Consider r
m
 a m sin m  bm cosm
Differentiating with respect to 

 a m m cosm   b m (  m sin m )
dr
mr m 1
d

r m dr
 a m cos m  b m sin m
r d

1 dr a m cos m  bm sin m
 m
r d a sin m  bm cos m

a m cos m  b m sin m
cot  
a m sin m  b m cos m

1 1
Consider p  r sin ,  cosec
p r

1   a m cosm  bm sin m  
2

 cosec   2 1  cot    2 1   m
1 1 1
2 2
 
p2 r 2 r r   a sin m  bm cosm  
 

1  a m sin m  bm cosm   a m cosm  bm sin m  

2 2

 2 
r 
 a sin m  b cosm 
m m 2



On simplification, we get

1 1  a 2m  b2m  r 2  m 1
    p2  is the required pedal equation.
p 2 r 2  r 2m  a 2m  b2m

𝒍
4. Find the pedal equation for the polar curve
𝒓
= 1 + 𝑒 cos 𝜃.

l
Solution: Consider  1  e cos
r

Differentiating with respect to 

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DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS

 1 dr  l  1 dr 
l  2   e sin      e sin 
 r d  r  r d 

l
cot   e sin 
r

r
 cot   e sin 
l

 2 1  cot2  
1 1
We know that 2
p r

1 1  l 2  e 2 r 2 sin2   1  e2r 2   l l r

   r2 1  2 sin 2        
p 2 r 2  1 e cos e cos
l2   l  r r 

 2   l  r  2  
2 2
 l  e r 1    
1 1   re      l  r 

p2 r2   cos   re 

l2
   
 
 

on simplification

1  e2 1 2 l r
sin   1  cos  
2

  2    1   
2 2

 re 
2
p  e  lr

EXERCISE:
Find the pedal equations of the following polar curves

1. r n cos n  a n

2. r n sin n  b n

3. r  a
𝑎
4. 𝑟 =
𝜃

5. 𝑟 = cos 𝜃

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DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS
6.𝑟 𝑚 = 𝑎𝑚 cos 𝑚𝜃

7.𝑟 𝑚 = 𝑎𝑚 sin 𝑚𝜃

Answers:
1 1 𝑎2
1. 𝑝𝑟 𝑛−1 = 𝑎𝑛 2. 𝑝𝑟 𝑛−1 = −𝑏 𝑛 3. = + 𝑟4
𝑝2 𝑟2

1 1 1
4. = + 5. 𝑎𝑝 = 𝑟 2 6. 𝑝𝑎𝑚 = 𝑟 𝑚+1
𝑝2 𝑟2 𝑎2

7. 𝑝𝑏 𝑚 = 𝑟 𝑚+1

CURVATURE AND RADIUS OF CURVATURE:

Curvature is the amount by which a geometric object deviates from being flat, or straight in
the case of a line, but this is defined in different ways depending on the context. In geometry, the
radius of curvature, R, of a curve at a point is a measure of the radius of the circular arc which
best approximates the curve at that point. It is the reciprocal of the curvature. The distance from
the center of a circle or sphere to its surface is its radius. For other curved lines or surfaces, the
radius of curvature at a given point is the radius of a circle that mathematically best fits the
curve at that point. In the case of a surface, the radius of curvature is the radius of a circle that
best fits a normal section.
Imagine driving a car on a curvy road on a completely flat plain (so that the geographic
plain is a geometric plane). At any one point along the way, lock the steering wheel in its
position, so that the car thereafter follows a perfect circle. The car will, of course, deviate from
the road, unless the road is also a perfect circle. The circle that the car makes is the circle of
curvature, radius and the center of the circle are radius of curvature and center of curvature of the
curvy road at the point at which the steering wheel was locked. The more sharply curved the road
is at the point you locked the steering wheel, the smaller the radius of curvature.

Let P be a point on the curve y= f (x) at the length‘s’ from a fixed point A on it. Let the
tangent at ‘P’ makes are angle ψ with positive direction of x – axis. As the point ‘P’ moves along
curve, both s and ψ vary.

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DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS
Y y = f (x) Tangent

A P (x, y)

d
The rate of change ψ w.r.t s, is called the Curvature of the curve at ‘P’.
ds
The reciprocal of the Curvature at P is called the radius of curvature at P and is denoted by ρ.
𝑑𝑠
𝜌=
𝑑𝜓

RADIUS OF CURVATURE FOR CARTESIAN CURVE y = f(x):

We know that
𝑑𝑦
𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜓 = or 𝜓 = tan−1(𝑦1 ), Differentiating both sides w.r.t. s,
𝑑𝑥

𝑑(𝑡𝑎𝑛 𝜓) 𝑑 𝑑𝑦
= ( )
𝑑𝑠 𝑑𝑠 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝜓 𝑑 𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑥
i.e., 𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 𝜓 = ( )
𝑑𝑠 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑠
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝜓 1
But = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜓 and by the definition =
𝑑𝑠 𝑑𝑠 𝜌

1 𝑑2 𝑦 𝑑2 𝑦
Therefore 𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 𝜓 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜓 or 𝑠𝑒𝑐 3 𝜓 = 𝜌
𝜌 𝑑𝑥 2 𝑑𝑥 2

𝑠𝑒𝑐 3 𝜓
Hence 𝜌 = 𝑑2 𝑦
𝑑𝑥2

3⁄
3 3 𝑑𝑦 2 2
(𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 𝜓) ⁄2 (1+𝑡𝑎𝑛 2 𝜓) ⁄2 {1+(( ) )}
𝑑𝑥
Ie., 𝜌 = 𝑑2 𝑦
= 𝑑2 𝑦
= 𝑑2 𝑦
𝑑𝑥2 𝑑𝑥2 𝑑𝑥2

𝑑𝑦 𝑑2 𝑦
Denoting 𝑦 ′ = and 𝑦 ′′ = , we have
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 2
3⁄
(1 + (𝑦 ′ )2 ) 2
𝜌=
𝑦 ′′

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DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS
3𝑎 3𝑎
1. Find the radius of curvature of the curve 𝑥 3 + 𝑦 3 = 3𝑎𝑥𝑦 at ( , ).
2 2

Solution: Given, 𝑥 3 + 𝑦 3 = 3𝑎𝑥𝑦

Differentiating w.r.t. x we have
𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦
3𝑥 2 + 3𝑦 2 = 3𝑎 (𝑥 + 𝑦)
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦 𝑎𝑦−𝑥 2
i.e., 3(𝑦 2 − 𝑎𝑥) = 3(𝑎𝑦 − 𝑥 2 ) therefore = 𝑦 ′ = 𝑦 2 −𝑎𝑥
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥

3𝑎 3𝑎 3𝑎2⁄ −9𝑎2⁄
2 4
At ( , ) , 𝑦 ′ = 9𝑎2 2 = −1
2 2 ⁄4−3𝑎 ⁄2

𝑑2 𝑦 (𝑦 2 −𝑎𝑥)(𝑎𝑦 ′ −2𝑥)−(𝑎𝑦−𝑥 2 )(2𝑦𝑦 ′ −𝑎)

= 𝑦 ′′ =
𝑑𝑥 2 (𝑦 2 −𝑎𝑥)2
2 2
3𝑎 3𝑎 (3𝑎 ⁄2)(−𝑎−3𝑎)−(−3𝑎 ⁄4)(−3𝑎−𝑎)
′′
At ( , ), 𝑦 = 2 2
2 2 (3𝑎 ⁄4)

−3𝑎3 − 3𝑎3 16(−6𝑎3 ) −32

𝑦 ′′ = = =
9𝑎4⁄ 9𝑎4 3𝑎
16
3⁄
2 2
(1+(𝑦 ′ ) )
We have 𝜌 = 𝑦 ′′
3
(1+1) ⁄2 2√2∙3𝑎 −√2∙3𝑎 −3𝑎
Hence 𝜌 = −32⁄ =
−32
=
16
=
8√2
3𝑎
3𝑎
Thus |𝜌| =
8√2
2
𝑎𝑥 2𝜌 3 𝑥 2 𝑦 2
2. Find the radius of curvature of 𝑦 = and show that ( ) = ( ) + ( ) .
𝑎+𝑥 𝑎 𝑦 𝑥
3
[1 + (𝑦 ′ )2 ]2
𝜌=
𝑦 ′′
𝑎𝑥
𝑦= ---------(1)
𝑎+𝑥
Differentiate with respect to x

(𝑎 + 𝑥)(𝑎) − 𝑎𝑥(0 + 1)
𝑦′ =
(𝑎 + 𝑥)2
𝑎2 + 𝑎𝑥 − 𝑎𝑥
𝑦′ =
(𝑎 + 𝑥)2
𝑎2
𝑦 ′ = (𝑎+𝑥)2 -------------(2)

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DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS
Again, Differentiate with respect to x

′′
(𝑎 + 𝑥)2 (0) − 𝑎2 [2(𝑎 + 𝑥)(1)]
𝑦 =
(𝑎 + 𝑥)4

′′
−2𝑎2 (𝑎 + 𝑥)
𝑦 =
(𝑎 + 𝑥)4
−2𝑎2
𝑦 ′′ = (𝑎+𝑥)3 ------(3)
3
2 2
[1+(𝑦 ′ ) ]
Hence, 𝜌=
𝑦 ′′

Substitute 𝑦 ′ and 𝑦 ′′ values in the above equation, then

3
2 2 2
𝑎
[1 + ( ) ]
(𝑎 + 𝑥)2
𝜌=
−2𝑎2
(𝑎 + 𝑥)3
3
[(𝑎 + 𝑥)4 + 𝑎4 ]2 (𝑎 + 𝑥)3
𝜌= ( )
(𝑎 + 𝑥)3 −2𝑎2

3
[(𝑎 + 𝑥)4 + 𝑎4 ]2 1
−2𝜌 = ( 2)
(𝑎 + 𝑥)3 𝑎

2 (𝑎 + 𝑥)4 + 𝑎4 1
(−2𝜌)3 = ( 4)
(𝑎 + 𝑥)2
𝑎3

2 1 (𝑎 + 𝑥)4 + 𝑎4
(2𝜌)3 = 4 [ ]
(𝑎 + 𝑥)2
𝑎3

We have,
𝑎𝑥
𝑦=
𝑎+𝑥

𝑎𝑥
𝑎+𝑥 =
𝑦

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DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS
𝑎𝑥 4
(
2 1 𝑦) 𝑎4
(2𝜌)3 = 4 [ 2 + 2]
𝑎𝑥 𝑎𝑥
𝑎3 ( 𝑦 ) ( )
𝑦
2 1 𝑥 2 𝑦 2
(2𝜌)3 = 4 [𝑎2 ( ) + 𝑎2 ( ) ]
𝑦 𝑥
𝑎3

2 𝑎2 𝑥 2 𝑦 2
(2𝜌)3 = 4 [( ) + ( ) ]
𝑦 𝑥
𝑎3

2 1 𝑥 2 𝑦 2
(2𝜌)3 = −2 [( ) + ( ) ]
𝑦 𝑥
𝑎3

2
2𝜌 3 𝑥 2 𝑦 2
( ) = ( ) + ( )
𝑎 𝑦 𝑥
4𝑎2 (2𝑎−𝑥)
3. Find radius of curvature of the curve 𝑦 2 = at (2a, 0)
𝑥
𝑥𝑦 2 = 8𝑎3 − 4𝑎2 𝑥
Differentiate w.r.t. x
2𝑥𝑦𝑦 ′ + 𝑦 2 = 0 − 4𝑎2
2𝑥𝑦𝑦 ′ = −4𝑎2 − 𝑦 2
−4𝑎2 −𝑦 2
𝑦′ = 2𝑥𝑦
-----------(1)

At (2a, 0)
−4𝑎2 − 0
𝑦′ =
2𝑥(0)

𝑦′ = ∞
⇒ 𝑥′ = 0

2𝑥𝑦
(1) ⇒ 𝑥 ′ = −
4𝑎2 − 𝑦 2

Differentiate w.r.t. y
4𝑎2 − 𝑦 2 (2𝑥 + 2𝑦𝑥 ′ ) − (2𝑥𝑦)(0 − 2𝑦)
𝑥 ′′ = − [ ]
(4𝑎2 − 𝑦 2 )2

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DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS
At (2a, 0)
′′
4𝑎2 − 0 − 0
𝑥 = −[ ]
(4𝑎2 − 02 )2

4𝑎2
𝑥 ′′ = − [ ]
(4𝑎2 )2
1
𝑥 ′′ = − 2
4𝑎

We have,
3
[1 + (𝑥 ′ )2 ]2
𝜌=
𝑥 ′′

3
[1 + (0)2 ]2
𝜌=
1
− 2
4𝑎

𝜌 = −4𝑎2

|𝜌| = 4𝑎2

EXERCISE

FIND THE RADIUS OF CURVATURE OF THE FOLLOWING CURVE

1. 𝑥 4 + 𝑦 4 = 2 at (1, 1).

2. 𝑥 2 𝑦 = 𝑎(𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 ) at (−2𝑎, +2𝑎).

3. 𝑥𝑦 2 = 𝑎4 − 𝑎3 𝑥 at (𝑎, 0).
𝜋
4. 𝑦 = 4 sin 𝑥 sin 2𝑥 at 𝑥 = .
2

5. 𝑎2 𝑦 = 𝑥 3 − 𝑎3 at the point where the curve meets the x-axis.

3
𝑥 𝑦 2(𝑎𝑥+𝑏𝑦) ⁄2
6. Prove that 𝜌 at any point (𝑥, 𝑦) on the curve √ + √ = 1 is given by 𝜌 =
𝑎 𝑏 𝑎𝑏

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DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS
3 ⁄
(𝑟 2 +𝑟12 ) 2
RADIUS OF CURVATURE IN POLAR FORM: 𝜌 = .
𝑟 2 +2𝑟12 −𝑟𝑟2

Let r be the radius vector and 𝜑 be the angle made by the radius vector with the tangent
at. Let 𝜓 be the angle made by the tangent at 𝑃 with the initial line. Let 𝐴 be a fixed point on the
curve and let 𝐴𝑃 = 𝑠. We have 𝜓 = 𝜃 + 𝜙

Let 𝑂𝑃 = 𝑟 be the radius vector and 𝜑 be the angle made by the radius vector with the
tangent at 𝑃(𝑟, 𝜃). Let 𝜓 be the angle made by the tangent at 𝑃 with the initial line. Let 𝐴 be a
fixed point on the curve and let 𝐴𝑃 = 𝑠. We have 𝜓 = 𝜃 + 𝜙

𝑑𝜓 𝑑𝜃 𝑑𝜙 𝑑𝜃 𝑑𝜙 𝑑𝜃
Therefor = + = + ∙
𝑑𝑠 𝑑𝑠 𝑑𝑠 𝑑𝑠 𝑑𝜃 𝑑𝑠

1 𝑑𝜃 𝑑𝜙
i.e., = (1 + 𝑑𝜃 )
𝜌 𝑑𝑠

𝑑𝑠
( )
𝑑𝜃
Or 𝜌 = 𝑑𝜙 ……………(1)
1+
𝑑𝜃

𝑑𝜃 𝑟
We know that tan 𝜑 = 𝑟 = 𝑑𝑟
𝑑𝑟 ( )
𝑑𝜃

𝑟 𝑑𝑟
Ie., tan 𝜑 = 𝑟1 = ( )
𝑟1 𝑑𝜃

Differentiating w. r. t. 𝜃 we get

𝑑𝜙 𝑟1 ∙𝑟1 −𝑟∙𝑟2 𝑑2𝑟

𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 𝜑 = , where 𝑟2 =
𝑑𝜃 𝑟12 𝑑𝜃2

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DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS
𝑑𝜙 𝑟12 −𝑟𝑟2 𝑟12 −𝑟𝑟2
Or = =
𝑑𝜃 𝑟12 𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 𝜑 𝑟12 (1+𝑡𝑎𝑛2 𝜑)

𝑑𝜙 𝑟12 −𝑟𝑟2 𝑟12 −𝑟𝑟2

i.e., = =
𝑑𝜃 𝑟2 𝑟12 +𝑟 2
𝑟12 (1+( 2 ))
𝑟1

𝑑𝜙 𝑟12 −𝑟𝑟2 𝑟12 +𝑟 2 +𝑟12 −𝑟𝑟2

Hence 1 + = 1+ =
𝑑𝜃 𝑟12 +𝑟 2 𝑟12 +𝑟 2

𝑑𝜙 𝑟 2 +2𝑟12 −𝑟𝑟2
Ie., 1 + = ………………..(2)
𝑑𝜃 𝑟12 +𝑟 2

𝑑𝑠
Also we know that = √𝑟12 + 𝑟 2 ……………(3)
𝑑𝜃

Using (2) and (3) in (1) we get

𝑟12 + 𝑟 2
𝜌 = √𝑟12 + 𝑟 2 ∙
𝑟 2 + 2𝑟12 − 𝑟𝑟2

⁄3
(𝑟 2 +𝑟12 ) 2
Thus 𝜌 = in the polar form.
𝑟 2 +2𝑟12 −𝑟𝑟2

EXERCISE
1. Find the radius of curvature of the curve 𝑟 = 𝑎 sin 𝑛𝜃 at the pole.

Solution: Given 𝑟 = 𝑎 sin 𝑛𝜃

Differentiate with respect to 𝜃

𝑑𝑟 𝑑2 𝑟
𝑟1 = = 𝑎𝑛 cos 𝑛𝜃, 𝑟2 = = −𝑎𝑛2 sin 𝑛𝜃
𝑑𝜃 𝑑𝜃2

At the pole we have 𝜃 = 0. When 𝜃 = 0: 𝑟 = 0, 𝑟1 = 𝑎𝑛, 𝑟2 = 0.

3⁄
(𝑟 2 +𝑟12 ) 2
We have 𝜌 =
𝑟 2 +2𝑟12 −𝑟𝑟2

3
⁄
(𝑎2 𝑛2 ) 2 𝑎 3 𝑛3 𝑎𝑛
Therefor 𝜌 = = 2𝑎2 𝑛2 = .
2𝑎2 𝑛2 2

𝑎𝑛
Thus 𝜌 = at the pole.
2

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DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS
2. Find the radius of curvature of curve r = a(1 − cos θ)

Apply log on both side

log 𝑟 = log 𝑎 + log(1 − cos 𝜃)
Differentiate w.r.t. θ

𝑟1 sin 𝜃
= 0+
𝑟 1 − cos 𝜃

𝜃 𝜃
𝑟1 2 sin cos
= 0+ 2 2
𝑟 𝜃
2 sin2
2

𝑟1 𝜃
= cot
𝑟 2
𝜃
𝑟1 = 𝑟 cot
2
Differentiate w.r.t. θ

−𝑟 𝜃 𝜃
𝑟2 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 + cot 𝑟1
2 2 2
−𝑟 𝜃 𝜃
𝑟2 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 + 𝑟 𝑐𝑜𝑡 2
2 2 2
𝜃 1 𝜃
𝑟2 = 𝑟 [𝑐𝑜𝑡 2 − (1 + 𝑐𝑜𝑡 2 )]
2 2 2

𝜃 1 1 𝜃
𝑟2 = 𝑟 [𝑐𝑜𝑡 2 − − 𝑐𝑜𝑡 2 ]
2 2 2 2
𝜃 𝜃
2𝑐𝑜𝑡 2 − 1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑡 2 2
𝑟2 = 𝑟 [ 2 ]
2
2
𝜃
𝑐𝑜𝑡 2 −1
𝑟2 = 𝑟 [ 2 ]
2
3
[𝑟 2 + 𝑟12 ]2
∴ 𝜌= 2
𝑟 + 2𝑟1 − 𝑟𝑟2

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DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS
3
𝜃2
[𝑟 2 + 𝑟 2 𝑐𝑜𝑡 2 ]
𝜌= 2
𝜃
𝜃 𝑐𝑜𝑡 2 − 1
𝑟 2 + 2𝑟 2 𝑐𝑜𝑡 2 − 𝑟 2 [ 2 ]
2 2

𝜃
𝑟 3 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑐 3 2
𝜌=
𝜃 𝜃
2𝑟 2 + 4𝑟 2 𝑐𝑜𝑡 2 − 𝑟 2 𝑐𝑜𝑡 2 + 𝑟 2
2 2
2
𝜃
2𝑟 3 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑐 3
𝜌= 2
𝜃 𝜃
𝑟 2 (2 + 4 𝑐𝑜𝑡 2 − 𝑐𝑜𝑡 2 + 1)
2 2
𝜃
2𝑟 3 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑐 3
𝜌= 2
𝜃 𝜃
𝑟 (2 + 4 𝑐𝑜𝑡 − 𝑐𝑜𝑡 2 + 1)
2 2
2 2
𝜃
2𝑟𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑐 3
𝜌= 2
𝜃
3 + 3 𝑐𝑜𝑡 2 2
𝜃
2𝑟𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑐 3
𝜌= 2
𝜃
3 (1 + 𝑐𝑜𝑡 2 )
2
𝜃
2𝑟𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑐 3
𝜌= 2
𝜃
3 (𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑒𝑐 2 )
2
2𝑟 1
𝜌=
3 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃
2
2(𝑎(1 − cos 𝜃))
𝜌=
𝜃
3𝑠𝑖𝑛
2
𝜃
2𝑎 (2𝑠𝑖𝑛2 )
𝜌= 2
𝜃
3𝑠𝑖𝑛
2
4𝑎 𝜃
𝜌= 𝑠𝑖𝑛
3 2

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DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS
3. Find the radius of curvature of curve 𝑟 = 𝑎(1 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃)
3
(𝑟 2 +𝑟12 )2
Solution : 𝜌 = 𝑟 2 +2𝑟2 −𝑟𝑟
1 2

Given : 𝑟 = 𝑎(1 + cos 𝜃)

Apply log on both sides
log 𝑟 = log 𝑎 + log(1 + cos 𝜃)
1 1
𝑟1 = 0 + (− sin 𝜃)
𝑟 1 + cos 𝜃
sin 𝜃
𝑟1 = −𝑟
1 + cos 𝜃
𝜃
𝑟 = −𝑟 tan ( )
2
Differentiate with respect to 𝜃
𝜃
sec 2
𝑟2 = [−𝑟 2 + 𝑡𝑎𝑛 𝜃 𝑟 ]
2 2 1

3
(𝑟 2 +𝑟12 )2
We have 𝜌 =
𝑟 2 +2𝑟12 −𝑟𝑟2

3 𝜃
(𝑟 2 + 𝑟12 )2 = [𝑟 2 + 𝑟 2 tan2 ]
2
𝜃
= 𝑟 3 [1 + tan2 ]
2
𝜃
= 𝑟 3 sec 3
2
𝜃 𝑟 𝜃 𝜃
𝑟 2 + 2𝑟12 − 𝑟𝑟2 = 𝑟 2 + 2𝑟 2 tan2 − 𝑟 (− sec 2 + 𝑟 tan2 )
2 2 2 2
𝜃
sec2 𝜃
= 𝑟 2 [1 + 2
+ tan2 2]
2

𝜃
𝑟 3 sec 3
𝜌= 2
𝜃
sec 2 𝜃
𝑟 2 [1 + 2 2 + tan2 ]
2

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DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS
𝜃
𝑟 sec 3
= 2
𝜃
sec 2 𝜃
[ 2 2 + sec 2 ]
2

2𝑟 𝜃
= 𝑠𝑒𝑐
3 2
We have 𝑟 = 𝑎(1 + cos 𝜃)
𝑟 𝜃
= 2 cos 2
𝑎 2
𝑟 𝜃
√ = cos
2𝑎 2
𝜃 2𝑎
sec =√
2 𝑟

2𝑟 2𝑎
∴ 𝜌= ×√
3 𝑟
𝑜𝑟
8𝑎𝑟
𝜌2 =
9

EXERCISE
Find the radius of curvature of the curve 𝑟 𝑛 = 𝑎𝑛 sin 𝑛𝜃.

Find the radius of curvature of the curve 𝑟 𝑛 = 𝑎𝑛 cos 𝑛𝜃.

RADIUS OF CURVATURE IN PARAMETRIC FORM x=x(t), y=y(t).

3⁄
((𝑥 ′ )2 + (𝑦 ′ )2 ) 2
𝜌=
𝑥 ′ 𝑦 ′′ − 𝑦 ′ 𝑥 ′′

EXAMPLES
1. Find 𝜌 at the point 𝑡 of the curve 𝑥 = 𝑎(cos 𝑡 + 𝑡 sin 𝑡) and 𝑦 = 𝑎(sin 𝑡 − 𝑡 cos 𝑡).

Solution: We know that

3⁄
((𝑥 ′ )2 + (𝑦 ′ )2 ) 2
𝜌=
𝑥 ′ 𝑦 ′′ − 𝑦 ′ 𝑥 ′′

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DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS
Considering 𝑥 = 𝑎(cos 𝑡 + 𝑡 sin 𝑡)

Differentiating w. r. t. t

𝑑𝑥
= 𝑎(− sin 𝑡 + 𝑡 cos 𝑡 + sin 𝑡)
𝑑𝑡
𝑥 ′ = 𝑎𝑡 cos 𝑡

Differentiate 𝑥 ′′ w. r. t. t

𝑥 ′′ = 𝑎(𝑡 (−sin 𝑡) + cos 𝑡)

𝑥 ′′ = 𝑎(cos 𝑡 − 𝑡 sin 𝑡)

Consider 𝑦 = 𝑎(sin 𝑡 − 𝑡 cos 𝑡)

Differentiate 𝑦 ′ w. r. t. t

𝑑𝑦
= 𝑎(cos 𝑡 + 𝑡 sin 𝑡 − cos 𝑡)
𝑑𝑡
𝑦 ′ = 𝑎𝑡 sin 𝑡

Differentiate 𝑦 ′′ w. r. t. t

𝑦 ′′ = 𝑎(𝑡 cos 𝑡 + sin 𝑡)

3
((𝑎𝑡 cos 𝑡)2 + (𝑎𝑡 sin 𝑡)2 ) ⁄2
𝜌=
𝑎𝑡 cos 𝑡 𝑎(𝑡 cos 𝑡 + sin 𝑡) − 𝑎𝑡 sin 𝑡𝑎(cos 𝑡 − 𝑡 sin 𝑡)
3⁄
(𝑎2 𝑡 2 (𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑡 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑡)) 2
𝜌=
𝑎𝑡 cos 𝑡 𝑎(𝑡 cos 𝑡 + sin 𝑡) − 𝑎𝑡 sin 𝑡𝑎(cos 𝑡 − 𝑡 sin 𝑡)
3
(𝑎2 𝑡 2 ) ⁄2
𝜌= 2 2
𝑎 𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑡 + 𝑎2 𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑡 + 𝑎2 𝑡 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑡 − 𝑎2 𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑡
3
(𝑎2 𝑡 2 ) ⁄2
𝜌= 2 2
𝑎 𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑡 + 𝑎2 𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑡 + 𝑎2 𝑡 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑡 − 𝑎2 𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑡
3
((𝑎𝑡)2 ) ⁄2
𝜌= 2 2
𝑎 𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑡 + 𝑎2 𝑡 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑡

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DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS
(𝑎𝑡)3
𝜌= 2 2
𝑎 𝑡 (𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑡 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑡)

(𝑎𝑡)3
𝜌=
(𝑎𝑡)2

𝜌 = 𝑎𝑡.
2 2 2
2. Find the radius of curvature of the astroid 𝑥 3 + 𝑦 3 = 𝑎3
Solution: The parametric equation of astroid is given by
𝑥 = 𝑎 𝑐𝑜𝑠 3 𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑦 = 𝑎 𝑠𝑖𝑛3 𝑡
We know that
3
[(𝑥 ′ )2 + (𝑦 ′ )2 ]2
ρ=
𝑥 ′ 𝑦 ′′ − 𝑦 ′ 𝑥 ′′
We have
𝑥 = 𝑎𝑐𝑜𝑠 3 𝑡
Differentiate with respect to t
𝑥 ′ = 𝑎 × 3 × 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑡 sin 𝑡
Differentiate with respect to t

𝑥 ′′ = −3𝑎[𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑡 cos 𝑡 + sin 𝑡 (2 cos 𝑡)(− sin 𝑡)]

= −3𝑎 × 𝑐𝑜𝑠 3 𝑡 + 6𝑎 × 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑡 × 𝑡 cos 𝑡
We have
𝑦 = 𝑎 𝑠𝑖𝑛3 𝑡
𝑦 ′ = 3𝑎 × 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑡 × cos 𝑡
𝑦 ′′ = 3𝑎[𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑡(− sin 𝑡) + cos 𝑡 (2 sin 𝑡)(cos 𝑡)]
= −3𝑎 × 𝑠𝑖𝑛3 𝑡 + 6𝑎 × 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑡 × sin 𝑡
∴ 𝜌
3
[(−3𝑎𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑡𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑡)2 + (3𝑎𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑡𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑡)2 ]2
=
(−3𝑎𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑡𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑡)(−3𝑎𝑠𝑖𝑛3 𝑡 + 6𝑎𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑡𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑡) − (3𝑎𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑡𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑡)(+3𝑎𝑐𝑜𝑠 3 𝑡 + 6𝑎𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑡𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑡)
3
[(−3𝑎𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑡𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑡)2 + (3𝑎𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑡𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑡)2 ]2
𝜌=
(−3𝑎𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑡𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑡)(−3𝑎𝑠𝑖𝑛3 𝑡 + 6𝑎𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑡𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑡) − (3𝑎𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑡𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑡)(+3𝑎𝑐𝑜𝑠 3 𝑡 + 6𝑎𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑡𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑡)

3
(9𝑎𝑐𝑜𝑠 4 𝑡 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑡 + 9𝑎𝑠𝑖𝑛4 𝑡𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑡)2
𝜌= 2
9𝑎 𝑠𝑖𝑛4 𝑡𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑡 − 18𝑎2 𝑐𝑜𝑠 4 𝑡 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑡 + 9𝑎2 𝑐𝑜𝑠 4 𝑡 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑡 − 18𝑎2 𝑠𝑖𝑛4 𝑡𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑡

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DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS
3 3
(9𝑎2 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑡 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑡)2 (𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑡 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑡)2
𝜌=
−9𝑎2 𝑠𝑖𝑛4 𝑡𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑡 − 9𝑎2 𝑐𝑜𝑠 4 𝑡 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑡
27𝑎3 𝑐𝑜𝑠 3 𝑡 𝑠𝑖𝑛3 𝑡
𝜌=
−9𝑎2 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑡𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑡(𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝑡 + 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝑡)
−3𝑎 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑡
𝜌=
1
|𝜌| = 3𝑎 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝑡

FIND THE RADIUS OF CURVATURE OF THE FOLLOWING PARAMETRIC CURVES

1. 𝑥 = 𝑎 log(sec 𝑡 + tan 𝑡) and 𝑦 = 𝑎 sec 𝑡 2. 𝑥 = 𝑎(cos 𝑡 + log(tan 𝑡⁄2) and 𝑦 = 𝑎 sin 𝑡.

3. 𝑥 = 𝑎(𝑡 + sin 𝑡) and 𝑦 = 𝑎 (1 − cos 𝑡). 4. 𝑦 2 = 4𝑎𝑥.

RADIUS OF CURVATURE IN THE CASE OF PEDAL FORM

𝑑𝑟
𝜌=𝑟
𝑑𝑝

EXAMPLE

1. Find the radius of curvature of 𝑟 = 𝑎(1 − cos 𝜃) and prove that 𝜌 ∝ √𝑟 .

Solution: Given 𝑟 = 𝑎(1 − cos 𝜃)

Applying 𝑙𝑜𝑔 on both sides

log 𝑟 = log 𝑎 + log(1 − cos 𝜃)

Differentiate w. r. t. 𝜃

1 𝑑𝑟 1
=0+ (0 − (− sin 𝜃))
𝑟 𝑑𝜃 1 − cos 𝜃
𝜃 𝜃
2 sin cos 2
cot 𝜑 = 2
2 sin 𝜃 2

cot 𝜑 = cot 𝜃⁄2

𝜑 = 𝜃⁄2

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DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS
We have 𝑝 = 𝑟 sin 𝜑
𝜃
𝑝 = 𝑟 sin ………………..(1)
2

By Given equation 𝑟 = 𝑎(1 − cos 𝜃)

𝑟 𝜃2
= 2 sin
𝑎 2

𝜃2 𝑟
sin =
2 2𝑎
𝜃 𝑟
sin =√
2 2𝑎

𝑟
𝑝 = 𝑟√
2𝑎
3⁄
𝑟 2
𝑝=
√2𝑎
Differentiate w.r.t. r

𝑑𝑝 1 3 1
= ∙ ∙ 𝑟 ⁄2
𝑑𝑟 √2𝑎 2

𝑑𝑝 3 𝑟
= ∙√
𝑑𝑟 2 2𝑎

𝑑𝑟 2 2𝑎
= ∙√
𝑑𝑝 3 𝑟

𝑑𝑟
Therefore 𝜌 = 𝑟 ∙
𝑑𝑝

2 2𝑎
𝜌=𝑟∙ √
3 𝑟

2
𝜌= √2𝑎𝑟
3

2√2𝑎
𝜌= √𝑟
3
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DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS
2√2𝑎
𝜌 ∝ √𝑟 and 3
is proportionality constant.

𝑟3
2. Using pedal formula of radius of curvature, prove that 𝜌 ∝ for 𝑟 2 = 𝑎2 sec 2𝜃.
𝑎2

SOME OF THE APPLICATIONS:

 Radius of curvature is applied to measurements of the stress in the semiconductor structures.
 When engineers design trains track, they need to ensure the curvature of the track to be safe
and provide a comfortable ride for the given speed of the trains.
 It is used in highway design of loops and somewhat sharp turns of the main road.
 The radius of curvature determines various factors:
(a) The super elevation of the curve, i.e. the level by which the outer rail of the curve

is elevated with reference to the inner rail.

(b) Maximum permissible speed of train over the curve.

(c) Transition length that is to be provided on either end of the curve.

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