Polar Coordinates — Question 10

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Question 10

Problem

A navigation system reports (r,θ)=(5,atan2⁡(4,−3))(r,\theta)=(5,\operatorname{atan2}(4,-3)). Convert to Cartesian coordinates.

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Original worksheet page 1: question and worked solution for 3-6-010
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Question 10 – Solution

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Solution

  1. Use the polar–Cartesian relationships x=rcos⁡θ,y=rsin⁡θ,r2=x2+y2.x=r\cos\theta,\qquad y=r\sin\theta,\qquad r^2=x^2+y^2. Equivalent polar coordinates satisfy (r,θ)=(r,θ+2kπ)=(−r,θ+(2k+1)π).(r,\theta)=(r,\theta+2k\pi)=(-r,\theta+(2k+1)\pi).

  2. Apply the identity that matches the requested conversion, symmetry test, or intersection, and then check the resulting point or curve in the original polar equation.

  3. The angle is in Quadrant II with cosine −3/5-3/5 and sine 4/54/5.

  4. Hence (x,y)=(−3,4)(x,y)=\boxed{(-3,4)}.

Original worksheet page 2: question and worked solution for 3-6-010

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