Converting r=4+4cos(theta) into rectangular form

In summary, we can convert the polar equation $r=4+4\cos\theta$ into rectangular form by using the conversion formulas $r^2=x^2+y^2$ and $r\cos\theta=x$. This gives us the final equation $x^2+y^2=4\left(\sqrt{x^2+y^2}+x\right)$.
  • #1
Raerin
46
0
So how do I convert r=4+4cos(theta) into rectangular form?
I know that r^2 = x^2+y^2 and that rcos(theta) = x.

Would the start of the solution be:

sqrt(x^2 + y^2) = 4+4x

If yes, I don't know where to go from there.
 
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  • #2
Raerin said:
So how do I convert r=4+4cos(theta) into rectangular form?
I know that r^2 = x^2+y^2 and that rcos(theta) = x.

Would the start of the solution be:

sqrt(x^2 + y^2) = 4 +4x

If yes, I don't know where to go from there.

Almost. You have made a small mistake.

We can write $r\cos(\theta) = x$ as
$$\cos(\theta) = \frac x r \qquad\qquad (1)$$

So you should have
$$\sqrt{x^2 + y^2} = 4 + 4 \frac{x}{\sqrt{x^2 + y^2}}$$
This is a correct rectangular form.
That's it. You are done! ;)
To make it a little easier, we can also do (using $(1)$):
\begin{array}{}
r&=&4+4\cos(\theta) \\
r&=&4+4\frac x r \\
r^2&=&4r + 4x \\
x^2+y^2&=&4\sqrt{x^2+y^2} + 4x
\end{array}
 
  • #3
Hello, Raerin!

[tex]\text{Convert }\,r\:=\:4+4\cos\theta\,\text{ to rectangular form.}[/tex]

I would do it like this . . .[tex]\text{We have: }\:r \:=\:4(1 + \cos\theta)[/tex]

[tex]\text{Multiply by }r\!:\;r^2 \:=\:4(r + r\cos\theta)[/tex]

[tex]\text{Convert: }\:x^2+y^2 \:=\:4\left(\sqrt{x^2+y^2} + x\right)[/tex]
 

FAQ: Converting r=4+4cos(theta) into rectangular form

1. What is the equation for converting r=4+4cos(theta) into rectangular form?

The equation for converting r=4+4cos(theta) into rectangular form is x=4cos(theta) and y=4sin(theta).

2. How do you determine the values for x and y in the rectangular form?

The values for x and y can be determined by using the trigonometric identities x=rcos(theta) and y=rsin(theta), where r is the radius and theta is the angle in polar coordinates.

3. Can the equation r=4+4cos(theta) be simplified further in rectangular form?

Yes, the equation can be further simplified to x=4(1+cos(theta)) and y=4sin(theta).

4. How can the rectangular form of the equation be graphed?

The rectangular form of the equation can be graphed by plotting points with the values of x and y, and connecting them to form a curve called a cardioid.

5. Can the equation r=4+4cos(theta) be converted into other forms?

Yes, the equation can also be converted into cylindrical or spherical coordinates, depending on the context of the problem or experiment being studied.

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