Question

Can you please help me with this question on my study guide for my trig final? Thanks! I'd also appreciate if you can check out my other postings and check my work for some other study guide questions. I want to make sure I'm ready for my final. :)

3. The rectangular coordinates of a point are given. Find the polar coordinates of each point.
a. (4,0)
b. (0,3)

Answer 1

Polar coordinates are usually R (radius) and angle from the x axis (theta). Theta is usually measured in radians.

Use these formulas to convert:

theta = arcttan y/x
R = sqrt(x^2 + y^2)

(a) (4,0) in (x,y) coordinates becomes
(4,0) in polar (R,theta) coordinates

(b) (0,3) in (x,y) coordinates is
(pi/2, 3) in polar coordinates.

Answer 2

Aaah, so those are the formulas! I'll remember those. That helps so much! You're awesome! Thank you for not just giving me the answers. The point of a study guide is to study and know how to get to an answer. Usually people just give the answer without showing the process. I really appreciate it. :)

Answer 3

I tried converting (0,3) myself, but I can't seem to get your answer. What am I doing wrong?

b. (R, theta)
R = sqrt(x^2 + y^2)
R = sqrt(0^2 + 3^2)
R = 3

theta = arctan y/x
theta = arctan 3/0
theta = 1.249

= (3, 1.249)