CHAPTER 3

CURVE TRACING
3.1 : Introduction
In numerous mathematical situations, it is of primary importance to sketch the graph of an equation
or visualise its general appearance. The student has to draw the graph with a fair degree of rapidity rather
than extreme accuracy. With this in mind, we shall discuss some simple but useful aids in the problem of
curve tracing. Generally, we dealwith three types of equations namely cartesian, polar and parametric. If
an equation of any of the above type is given, then our aim is to trace its curve.
3.2:Proceduce for tracing cartesian equations
The following points are very useful to draw a rough sketch of a curve :
I. Symmetry
() Symmetry about x- axis: If allpowers ofy in theequation of the given curve are even, then
it is symmetical about x-axis i.e. theshape of the curve above x-axis is exactly identical to its
shape below x-axis.
For example, y² = 4ax is symmetrical about x-axis.
(ii) Symmety about y-axis : If all powers ofx in the equation of the given curve are even, then
it is symmetrical about y- axis.
For example, x=4ay is symmetrical about y -axis.
(iii) Symmetry about the line y =x :If the equation ofa given curve remains unchanged by inter
changing x and y, then it is symmetrical about the liney = x.
For example, +y= is symmetrical about the line y =x.
II. Origin and tangents at the origin :
See whether the curve passes through the origin or not. If x 0, y = 0satisfy the equation of the
Curve, then it passes through the origin. Insuch a case to find the equation (s) of the tangent (s) at the
origin, equate the real linear factors of the lowest degree termn to zero.
For example, y² = 4ax passes through the origin. The lowest degree term in this equation is 4ax.
The real linear factor of 4ax is x.
So, x=0 is the tangent to the curve at the origin.
Note : If the number of tangents at the origin be two then origin will be a double point. If the two
tangents at the origin are real and district, then the origin is called a node. If the two tangents at the
origin are real and coincident then the origin is called a cusp.
3.2 Calculus and Ordinary Differential
III. Points of intersection of the curve with the coordinate axes Equations
By putting y = 0in the eguation of the given curve, we can find points where the
x-axis. Similarly, by putting x=0 in the equation of the given curve, we can find curve
pointscrosses
th
curve crosses the y-axis. where the
For example, to find points where the curve x+y=a meets x-axis, we put y=0 inthe
which gives x= a orx=#a. equation.
So, the curve mneets x - axis at (a, 0) and(-a, 0). To find points where the curve x* +y= a
V- axis, we put x = 0 in the equation, which gives y' = a or y= a. meets
So, the curve meets y - axis at (0, a) and (0, - a).
IV. Equations of tangent lines to the curve at the obtained points
Let us consider a point (x,, y,)which lie on the curve. To find the tangent to the curve at &., )k
need to find the value of from the equation at (r, y), that willgive the slope of the tangent a
d
(x,, v). Theequation of thetangent willbe a line which is passing through (z,, y) with the abo:
slope.
Forexample, : +y= d will pass through the point (a, 0).
Differentiating the above equation w.r.to x, we get
dy -X
dx
-a
= 0

Ja,0)

So, the equation of the tangent line will be

L(y-0) =x-a
1.e., x -a=0
So, x = ais the tangent line to the curve at (a, 0).
V. Equations of asymptotes to the curve if any
There are two types of asymptotes. It may be oblique or parallel to the axis.
The equations of asymptotes to the curve can be obtained by methods discussed in chaptel
VI. Special points :
Find the point at which dx =0.
At these points, the tangent to thecurve is parallel to x- axis.
dx
Find the points at which dy = 0.

At these points, the tangent to the curve is parallel to y - axis.

:
VII. Points of maxima and minima
Find the interval in which >0
In this interval, the function is monotonically increasing.
d
Find the interval in which dx <0.
Curve Tracing 3.3

In this interval, the function is monotonically decreasing.

The function y =fx) has a relative maximum at x = a iff (a) = 0 and f"(a) < 0.
The function y =f() has a relative minimum at x =a iff'(a) = 0 and f" (a) > 0.
VII. Points of inflection :

For finding out the point of inflection of the given curve, we are required to equate
d'y to zerO

and then solve the equation. This gives points at which the graph of continuous function changes
d'y
direction of concavity from downward to upward or upward to downward provided changes
its sign. Such points are known as points of inflection.
IK. Region where the curve does not exist :
Determine the region in which the curve does not exist. For this, find the value of y in terms of x
from the equation of the curve and find the values of xfor which y is imaginary. Similarly, find the
value of x in terms ofy from the equation of the curve and find the values of yfor whichx is
imaginary.
For example, the values of yobtained from y²= 4ar are imaginary for negative values of x.
So, the curve does not exist on the left side of y- axis.
Similarly, the curve a y =* (a-x) does not exist for x>a as the values of yare imaginary for
x>a.

3.3 : Illustrative examples

Example-3.3.1:Trace the curve y(a- x)=*. (cissoid)
Solution : The equation of the curve is
y(a-x) =x ...(1)

rty- ay =0 .. (2)
(i) The curve is symmetrical about x- axis as on putting -y in place of y, the equation remains
unchanged.
(11) Putting y= 0 in equation (1), we get x =0.
So, the curve meets x - axis at (0, 0).
Putting x=0in equation (1), we get y=0.
So, the curve meets y - axis at (0, 0).
(i1i) The lowest degree termn in the equation of the curve is ay. The real linear factor of the lowest
degree term is y. So, y =0 is the tangent line the curve at (0, 0)y
(iv) x= ais the only asymptote of the curve.
X =a
(v) y'=
a-x
>X
When x<0, y² is negative i.e., y is imaginary.
When 0<y<a, is positive.
When x > a, y is negative i.e., y is imaginary.
So, the curve lies between the linesx=0 and x= a.
Keeping all the above points in mind, we can draw the curve as follows : Fig. 3.3.1
 Calculuss and Ordinary Differential
3.4
Equations
Example -3.3.2 : Trace the curve (x +yr=ar-y).
Solution:The equation of the curve is
(+yx= a(r-y) .. (1)
r t xy² = ar-ay
x*t xy - ar+ ay=0 ... (2)
(i)
The curve is symmetrical about x- axis as on putting - yin place of y, the equation remains
unchanged.
(ii) Putting y=0in equation (1), we get
x= ar x - ar? =0
’ x(- a)=0 X=0 or x= a
So, the curve meets x axis at (0, 0) and (a, 0)
Puttingx=0in equation (1), we get
- ay² = 0 y=0
So, the curve meets y - axis at (0, 0).
(iii) The lowest degree term in the equation of the curve is - ar + ay'.
Now, - a + ay=- al-y) =(-a) (rty) (x-)
So, x +y=0 and x- y=0are two tangent lines the curve at (0, 0).
Now, x³ +xy-art ay = 0
Differentiating both sides w.r.to x, we get

3r? +y² + 2xy dy

d
2ax + 2ay
d
=0

’ (2xy + 2av) dy = (2ax -3r-)

d

dy (2ax-3x-y
’
(2xy +2ay)
dy -a'
dx J(a.0)
So, the equation of the tangent line at (a, 0) will be

(y-0) =*-a
’ X -a=0

So, x= a is the tangent line to the curve at (a, 0).

(iv) x=- ais the only asymptote of the curve.
(v) y'.* (a-x)
(a+*)
When x <-a, y is negative i.e., y is imaginary.
When- a<x<0, y' is positive.
When 0<x<a, y' is positive
 3.5
Curve Tracing
When x > a, y is negative i.e., y is imaginary.
Keeping all the above points in mind, we can draw the curve as follows.

y=x

X =-a
X=a

’X
(a, 0)

y=-x

Y'

Fig. 3.3.2
Example-3.3.3 : Trace the curve x³ +y=3ary. (Folium)
Solution: The equation of the curve is
*ty=3axy ...(1)
ty-3ary =0 ... (2)
() The curve is symmetrical about the line y = xas on interchanging x and y, the equation
remains unchanged.
(ii) Putting y = 0 in equation (1), we get
x=0 x=0
So, the curve meets x axis at (0, 0).
Putting x=0in equation (1), we get
y'=0=y=0
So, the curve meets y - axis at (0, 0).
Putting y=x in equation (1), we get
2x3-3ax? =0
’ r (2x-3a) = 0
3a
’x=0 or x=
2

When x=0, y=0.

3a 3a
When x =

(3a 3a
So, the curvemeets the line y= xat (0, 0) and 2 2
3.6 Calculus and Ordinary
Differential
(111) The lowest degree term in the equation of the curve is 3axy. Its real linear
So, x = 0and y = 0are the tangent lines the curveat the origin.
Equations
factors are xand ,
Now, +y'-3ary =0
Differentiating both sides w.r. to x, we get

3r² + 3y d dy
-3ay -3ax =0
d d

(3y-3ax) dy
d -(3ay-3.r)
dy 3ay -3x?
dx 3y -3ax

d (3a 3a)

’ Slope of tangent line =-1

Equation of the tangent line is

’ xty-3a=0

So, x+y-3a =0 is the tangent line to the curve at the point 3a 3a

2 2
(iv) The coefficient of the highest power x of x is 1, which is a constant., Hence three is no
asymptote parallel to x - axis. The coefficient of the highest power y of yis l, which is a
constant. Hence there is no asymptote parallel to y- axis.
Puttingx= 1, y= m in 3rd and 2nd degree terms of equation (2), we get
9,(m) = 1+ m³
,(m) =- 3am
For slope, ,(m) = 0
’ 1+ m² = 0
(1 + m) (1 m + m?) =0 3a 3a
’ m=-]

C=
-, (m) 3am
3m²
I t p -3a=0
when m =-1,c=-a
So, y =(-1)x +(a) i.e., x+y +a=0
is the asymptote of the curve.
The shape of the curve is shown below. Fig.3.3..3

Xty + a=0
Curve Tracing 3.7

Example -3.3.4: Trace the curve y ( -1)= 2x -1

Solution: y(r-1)= 2r 1 ...(1)
y-y=2x-1
y-y-2r +l =0 ...
(2)
(i) The curve is symmetrical about x- axis as on putting - y in place of ythe equation remains
unchanged.
(ii) Putting y = 0 in equation (1 ), we get
2x 1=0 ’

So, the curve meets x- axis at

Putting x=0in equation (1), we get

-1=0 ’ = 1 ’y=+1
So, the curve meets y-axis at (0, 1) and (0, 1).
(ii) *y-y- 2x +l=0
Differentiating both sides w.r.to x, we get
2ry' +2x'y-2y-2=0
dx d
dy
’ (2r'y- 2y) d =2-2xy'
dy 1-y
dt x'y-y
dy 1
= 00

Equation of the tangent line is

1
(y-0) =x 2
1

So, x = is the tangent line to the curve at

2
dy
=-1
dx 0.) -1

Equation of the tangent line is

y-l=( 1) (r- 0)
’X+y -l=0
So, x + y- l=0 is the tangent line to the curve (0, 1).
3.8 Calculus and Ordinary Differential
Equationg
(0.-1) 1
Equation of the tangent line is
y+l=l (r-0)
I-y-l=0
So, x-y- 1=0 is the tangent line to the curve at (0, -1).
(iv) The coefficient of the highest power x of x is y.
So, y =0 is the asymptote to the curve parallel to x- axis.
The coefficient of the highest power y ofy is -1.
It's real linear factors are x+ 1and x- 1.
So, x + 1=0 andx-1 = 0 are the asymptotes to the curve parallel to y- axis.
2x-1
(v) y =
When x<-1,y is negative i.e., yis imaginary.
1
When -1<x< 7: is positive.

1
When <x<1,y is negative i.e., yis imaginary.
2
when x>1, is positive.
x=-1

x=1

X< ’X

Fig. 3.3.4
3.4:Procedure for tracing the curves (Parametric form)
Method I Eliminating the parameter if possible and we shall get the cartesian equation of
curve which can be traced as explained in Art 3.2.
Method II This method is used when the parameter can not be easily eliminated from the
parametric equations.
Curve Tracing 3.9

In this case, the procedure is as follows :

dy
dy dt
(i) Find the value of remembering that dy where t is the parameter.
d
(ay
dy
(ii) Giving different values to the parameter, fnd the corresponding values of x, y and
Plot the points whose cartesian coordinates and the slope of the tangent at those points are
know tO us.
Example-3.4.1 :Trace the curve x= a(t - sint), y= a (1 - cost).
Solution:x= a(t - sin t) (Cycloid)
dx
dt
-= a(l- cost)
y= a(l - cost)
dy = asint
dt
dy 2sin
dy dt asin t cos2) :cot
dx dx
dt
a(l- cos1) 2sin? sin(2)
dy
Corresponding values of x, y and for different values of tare given in the following table :
d
37
t 2T
2 2

Ta 2Ta

~ 0.6a ~3.la ~5.8a ~ 6.2a

0 2a

8 8

Plotting the above points and observing the inclination of the tangents at these points, the graph of
the curve can be drawn as follows :

(Ta,2a)
+1)a.a)
(a( -1).a) +
X< >X
(0, 0) (2Tra,0)

Y' Fig. 3.4.1

 Calculus and
3.10 Ordinary Differential
Example 3.4.2 : Trace the curvex= a(t + sin t), y= a(1
Solution : x=a(t t sin t)
cos t) (cycloid). Equations
d
dt
=a(1+ cost)
y= a(l-cos t)

=a sint
dt

dy 2sin-cos sin
dy dt a sin t 2 2 2 = tan
dx a(1+ cos t) 2 cos² COS
2
dt 2 2

dy
Corresponding values of x, y and for different values of t are given in the following table:

t
2 2

Tta 0 Ta

N-3.la ~-2.6a ~ 2.6a N 3.la

2a 2a

dy -1 0 1
d
graphof
Plotting the above points and observing the inclination of the tangents at these points, the
the curve can be drawn as follows :

’X

y
Fig. 3.4.2
Curve Tacing 3.11

Example -3.4.3 : Trace the curye

1
X= acost + 24logtan? 7=aSin t. (Tractrix)

Solution:x=acos t +7a log tan?

2 2

.2tan-.sec t 1
1
dx =-asint+.a 1
dt tan? 2 22
2

a
= -0Sint+ -asin t +
sin t
2sincos
a
1 -s i nsin'1)
-
sin sint

acos't
sin t
y=a sin t

dy = acost
dt

dy
dy dt sin t sint
= acoStx = tan t
acos COSt
dt

dy
Corresponding values of x, y and for different values of t are given in the following table :
d
T

2 2

0 8
a 0

dy
0
d

Plotting the above points and observing the inclination of the tangents at these points, the graph of
the curve can be drawn as follows :
 3.12 Calculus and Ordinary Differential Equatio

(0, a)

X EX

(0, -a)

Example - 3.4.4: Trace the curve

x=a cos t, y=asin' t. (Astroid)
Solution : x= a cos' t
dx
=-3acos 1sin t
dt
y=a sin' t
dy = 3asintcost
d
dy
dy 3a sin t cost
-tan
dx -3a cos isint

Corresponding values of x, y and d

for different values of tare given in the following table :
3T 37 7
t 0 T 2T
4 2 4 4 2 4

-a -a
a 0 a
2V2 2/2 2/2 2/2
-a -a
a a
2/2 2N2 2/2 2/2
dv 1
Curve Tracing 3.13

Plotting the above points and observing the inclination of the tangents at these points, the graph of
the curve can be drawn as follows :

(0, a)

(-a, 0) (a, 0)
X. ’X

(0, -a)

Fig. 3.4.4
3.5: Procedure for tracing the curves (Polar form)
I. Symmetry
() Symmetry about polar axis: Thecurve is symmetrical about the polar axis if on putting
-0 in place of 0, the equation remains unchanged.
(ii) Symmetry about vertical line :The curve is symmetrical about the verticalline of on putting
I-0in place of 0, the equationremains unchanged.
(ii) Symmetry about pole: The curve is symmetrical about the pole if on putting +0in place
of 0 or - rinplace of r, the equation remains unchanged.
II. Tangents to the curve at pole :
Tangent lines to the curve at pole are obtained by puttingr=0 in the equation of the curve and
finding the corresponding values of 0, say a.
Then for cach a, we have a straight line = a, which is the tangent to the curve at pole.
III. Variation of rwith respect to :
Solve the equation for rand see how r varies as varies from 0° to 360". From a table of values for
rand 0, we can get a number of points.
IV. Region
Here no part of the curve shall exist for those values of e which make corresponding values ofr
imaginary.
Asymptote
when the curve possesses an infinite branch, then we have to find to asymptote.
Example-3.5.1: Trace thecurve r= a(l+ cos0). (cardioide)
Solution : The equation of the curve is a(1 + cos0). ... (1)
(i) The curve is symmetrical about the polar axis as on putting - 0 in place , the equation
remains unchanged.
(11) Putting r = 0 in equation (1), we get
a (1 + cos) = 0 ’1+ cos = 0
’ cos =- 1
So, = T is the tangent line to the curve at pole.
3.14 Calculus and Ordinary Differential
(iii) Corresponding values of r for different values of 0 are given in the following table
Equations
2
3 2 3
2a 1.5a a 0.5a
=al + cos )
Plotting the above points, the graph of the curve can be drawn as follows :

(a.H)
A
(2a, 0)

Fig. 3.5.1
Example 3.5.2: Trace the curve r²= cos20 . (Lemniscate)
Solution: The equation of the curve is r² = a cos20. ... (1)
(i) The curve is symmetrical about the polar axis as on putting 0 in place of 0, the
equation
remains unchanged.
The curve is symmetrical about the vertical line as on putting T-0 in place of 0, the equation
remains unchanged.
The curve is symmetrical about the pole as on putting r in place of r., the equation remains
unchanged.
(ii) Putting r = 0 in equation (1), we get
a cos20 = 0 ’ cos 20 = 0

’ cos20 = cos
2

’9=t 4

So, 9= and =- are two tangent lines to the curve at pole.

4 4

(ii) Corresponding values of r for different values of0 are given in the following table:
0 15°
22 30° 45° 45° <0<90°

r a a -a 2
-a 0 -Ve

ta +0.9a +0.8a ±0.7a does not exist

Curve Tracing
3.15
Plotting the above points, the graph of the curve can be drawn as
follows :
Y

X ’A

Fig. 3.5.2
Example -3.5.3: Trace the curver =a sin 20. (Four leaved rose)
Solution:The equation of the curve is r = asin 20.
(i) The curve is symmetrical about the pole as on putting n + 0in place of 0, ... (1)
the equation
remains unchanged.
(ii) Putting r =)in equation (1), we get
asin 20 =0 ’sin 20 =0
’ 20 = n, n=0, 1,2,3, ...

2
3r
Hence =0, = =I, = are the tangents at the pole.
2 2
(1i) As varies from 0to 2r, r varies as follows :
3T 3T 7
4 2 4 4 2
2n
4
a a -a

Ploting the above points, the graph of the curve can be drawn as follows :

9=4
0=0
’A

Fig. 3.5.3
3.16 Calculus and Ordinary Differential
EXERCISE -3
Equation
Trace the following curves :
1. 2. ay² =x(a'-)
3. vla +)=x (a-) 4. y (a-x)= dx
=(aty} (a-y) 6. y (a' t ) = @r
7. =a(rt a) 8. y (x+2) =x+ 1
r=-1 10. y² (a-x)=t
11. V=ccos h 12. (r +y =d (ry)

13. r+y= a 14. 3ay= x (x- a)

15. v=-3ar' 16. y=x
17. =* 18. x=(y- 1) (- 2) ( -3)
19. x=a(tt sin t), y=a(l t cos t) 20. x = acos t, y=b sint
21. r= a1 - cos ) 22. r= a(l + sin )
23. r=a t b cos0 (u> b) 24. r= a cos 20
25. r=asin 30
ANSWERS

YA

1. ’X 2. ’X 3

X 5
4. X 6.

X 8.
7.
>X9.
 Curve Tracing 3.17

10. 11. 12. >X

X

Y
YA

13. >X 14. >X 15.

>X
16. 17. >X 18. X

19. >X 20. X21. >A

22. >A 23. ’A 24. A

25.
sk