MathCastle
PrecalculusChallengeConic Sections and Parametric Equations

Conic Sections and Parametric Equations · Challenge problem

The parabolas r=21−cos⁡θr=\dfrac{2}{1-\cos\theta} and r=21+cos⁡θr=\dfrac{2}{1+\cos\theta} (polar coordinates) share their focus at the pole. Find the area of the quadrilateral whose vertices are the two parabolas' vertices and the two points where the parabolas cross each other.