(Selective 4-4: Coordinate System and Parametric Equations):
Let point P be on the curve , and point Q be on the curve . Find the minimum value of .
Solution
Set the pole as the origin and the line containing the polar axis as the x-axis to establish a Cartesian coordinate system.
Convert into a Cartesian coordinate equation to get the line equation . ...(3 points)
Convert into a Cartesian coordinate equation to get the circle equation , which represents a circle with center at and radius . ...(6 points)
Therefore, the distance from the center of the circle to the line is , and the minimum value of is . ...(10 points)
Thus, the minimum value of is .
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