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Maltese Cross

Age 16 to 18
Challenge Level Yellow star
  • Problem
  • Getting Started
  • Student Solutions

You are told that the graph of points $(x,y)$ satisfying the equation

$$xy(x^2 - y^2) = x^2 + y^2$$

consists of four curves together with a single point at the origin.

To help you to get started, think of a point $P$ on the graph, at a distance $r$ from the origin, having coordinates $(x,y)$, where the line $OP$ joining $P$ to the origin makes an angle $\theta$ with the $x$-axis. Now, to find the polar equation, make the substitution

$$x = r \cos \theta,\ y = r \sin \theta$$

and don't be put off by the long expression you get. Use the trig identities for $\sin^2\theta $ and $\cos^2\theta$ and you should be able to simplify the expression to prove that the polar equation of this graph is

$$r^4 \sin 4\theta = 4r^2.$$

Clearly $r=0$ satisfies this equation. Is it possible to have $r< 2$?

What are the valuesof $\theta$ when $r=2$?

One more hint and all should be plain sailing: notice that $\sin 4\theta$ is never negative.

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The NRICH Project aims to enrich the mathematical experiences of all learners. To support this aim, members of the NRICH team work in a wide range of capacities, including providing professional development for teachers wishing to embed rich mathematical tasks into everyday classroom practice.

NRICH is part of the family of activities in the Millennium Mathematics Project.

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