Mark M. answered 06/28/24
Retired math prof. Calc 1, 2 and AP Calculus tutoring experience.
r = 3cosθ, 0 ≤ θ ≤ π
Length = L = ∫(0 to π) √ [ r2 + (dr/dθ)2]dθ = ∫(0 to π)√[9cos2θ + 9sin2θ]dθ
L = ∫(0 to π)√[9(cos2θ + sin2θ)]dθ = ∫(0 to π)3dθ = 3π
Note: The graph of the given curve is the circle centered at (1.5, 0) with radius 1.5.
So, the arc length is the circumference, C, of the circle. C = 2π(1.5) = 3π.