Solving the heart curve with geogebra

Abstract

Heart symbols are used as expressions of love. There are several mathematical explanations that can produce a curve in the shape of a heart symbol, the most famous of which is cardioid. Graphs that look exotic like cardioid and limacon can be solved using polar coordinates. Polar equations r = a ± b cos θ and r = a ± b sin θ, with a and b positive are called limacon curves, for the special case a = b is called the cardiod. Computer technology is an alternative that can be used to help this. One of the computer programs that can be utilized as a medium of mathematics learning especially in drawing the heart curve is GeoGebra. GeoGebra is a dynamic mathematical software that combines geometry, algebra, and calculus. GeoGebra program serves as a learning medium that provides a visual experience to students in interacting with the concept of polar coordinates in solving the problem of the heart curve.