Polar / Rectangular Coordinates

In summary, polar coordinates are a way of representing points in a two-dimensional space using a distance and an angle from a reference point. They differ from rectangular coordinates in that they use distance and angle instead of x and y coordinates. The purpose of using polar coordinates is to describe circular and symmetric shapes and situations where distance and direction are more relevant. To convert polar coordinates to rectangular coordinates, one can use the formulas x = r*cos(θ) and y = r*sin(θ). Real-world applications of polar coordinates include navigation and mapping systems, physics and engineering for circular and rotational motion, and astronomy for locating celestial objects.
  • #1
Sparky_
227
5

Homework Statement



Convert into rectangular coordinates:

[tex]
r = tan(theta)
[/tex]



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



[tex]
r = \frac {sin}{cos}
[/tex]


I used
[tex]
r = \sqrt{x^2+y^2}
[/tex]
and

[tex]
cos = \frac {x}{r}

x = (r)(cos)
sin = \frac {y}{r}

y = (r)(sin)
[/tex]

[tex]
\sqrt {x^2+y^2} = \frac{\frac{y}{\sqrt {x^2+y^2}}}{\frac{x}{\sqrt {x^2+y^2}}}
[/tex]

Then -

[tex]
x\sqrt {x^2+y^2} -y =0
[/tex]

The book gets
[tex]
x^4 + (x^2)(y^2) - y^2

[/tex]


Can you help with the simplification to get to the book’s answer?

Thanks
-Sparky
 
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  • #2
Take y to the other side, square and open brackets.
 
  • #3
Thanks so much!
 

FAQ: Polar / Rectangular Coordinates

What are polar coordinates?

Polar coordinates are a way of representing points in a two-dimensional space by using a distance (r) and an angle (θ) from a reference point.

How are polar coordinates different from rectangular coordinates?

In polar coordinates, a point is represented by its distance and angle from a reference point, while in rectangular coordinates, a point is represented by its distance from the x-axis and y-axis.

What is the purpose of using polar coordinates?

Polar coordinates are often used in situations where the distance and direction from a reference point are more relevant than the x and y coordinates. They are also useful for describing circular and symmetric shapes.

How do you convert polar coordinates to rectangular coordinates?

To convert polar coordinates to rectangular coordinates, you can use the following formulas:
x = r*cos(θ)
y = r*sin(θ)

What are some real-world applications of polar coordinates?

Polar coordinates are commonly used in navigation and mapping systems, as well as in physics and engineering for describing circular and rotational motion. They are also used in astronomy for locating stars and other celestial objects.

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