Precalculus : Polar Coordinates and Complex Numbers

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Precalculus

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Example Questions

Example Question #32 : Polar Coordinates

Convert the rectangular equation into polar form.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Recall that  and .

Substitute these values into the equation.

Now, manipulate the equation so that the terms with  are on the same side.

Factor out the .

Divide both sides by .

Example Question #31 : Convert Polar Equations To Rectangular Form And Vice Versa

Conver the rectanglar equation into polar form.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Recall that  and .

Substitute these values into the equation.

Now, manipulate the equation so that the terms with  are on the same side.

Factor out the .

Divide both sides by .

Example Question #102 : Polar Coordinates And Complex Numbers

Convert the rectangular equation to polar form.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Recall that  and .

Substitute these values into the equation.

Now, manipulate the equation so that the terms with  are on the same side.

Factor out the .

Divide both sides by .

Example Question #31 : Convert Polar Equations To Rectangular Form And Vice Versa

Convert the rectangular equation to polar form.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Recall that  and .

Substitute these values into the equation.

Now, manipulate the equation so that the terms with  are on the same side.

Factor out the .

Divide both sides by .

Example Question #36 : Polar Coordinates

Convert from rectangular form to polar.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Recall that  and .

Substitute those into the equation.

Expand the equation.

Add  to both sides.

Factor out .

Remember that .

Divide both sides by .

Example Question #31 : Convert Polar Equations To Rectangular Form And Vice Versa

Convert the rectangular equation to polar form.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Recall that  and .

Substitute those into the equation.

Expand this equation.

Add  to both sides.

Factor out  on the left side of the equation.

Recall that 

Divide both sides by .

Example Question #34 : Polar Coordinates

Convert the rectangular equation into polar form.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Recall that  and .

Substitute those into the equation.

Expand this equation.

Subtract both sides by .

Factor out the .

At this point, either  or . Let's continue solving the latter equation to get a more meaningful answer.

Add  to both sides.

Divide both sides by  to solve for .

Recall that  and that .

Example Question #32 : Convert Polar Equations To Rectangular Form And Vice Versa

Convert the rectangular equation to polar form:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Recall that 

Substitute that into the equation.

Recall that,

 

Example Question #40 : Polar Coordinates

Convert the rectangular equation to polar form:

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Recall that .

Substitute that into the equation.

Now, isolate the  on one side.

Recall that, 

Example Question #105 : Polar Coordinates And Complex Numbers

Convert the rectangular equation into polar form.

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Recall that 

Substitute that into the equation.

Recall that, 

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