Math Problem Statement

Rewrite the Cartesian equation y = 6x^2 as a polar equation.

Solution

To rewrite the given Cartesian equation y=6x2y = 6x^2 as a polar equation, we can use the polar coordinate relationships:

x=rcosθandy=rsinθx = r\cos\theta \quad \text{and} \quad y = r\sin\theta

Steps:

  1. Substitute x=rcosθx = r\cos\theta and y=rsinθy = r\sin\theta into y=6x2y = 6x^2: rsinθ=6(rcosθ)2r\sin\theta = 6(r\cos\theta)^2

  2. Expand (rcosθ)2(r\cos\theta)^2: rsinθ=6r2cos2θr\sin\theta = 6r^2\cos^2\theta

  3. Simplify to isolate rr: Divide through by rr (assuming r0r \neq 0): sinθ=6rcos2θ\sin\theta = 6r\cos^2\theta

  4. Solve for rr: r=sinθ6cos2θr = \frac{\sin\theta}{6\cos^2\theta}

Thus, the polar equation is: r(θ)=sinθ6cos2θr(\theta) = \frac{\sin\theta}{6\cos^2\theta}

Let me know if you would like further clarification or more examples!


Related Questions:

  1. How do you convert polar equations back to Cartesian equations?
  2. What is the relationship between tanθ\tan\theta and Cartesian coordinates x,yx, y?
  3. Can you rewrite x2+y2=1x^2 + y^2 = 1 in polar form?
  4. What happens when r=0r = 0 in a polar equation?
  5. How do sinθ\sin\theta and cosθ\cos\theta affect the shape of polar graphs?

Tip:

When converting equations, always substitute x=rcosθx = r\cos\theta and y=rsinθy = r\sin\theta, and don't forget the identity x2+y2=r2x^2 + y^2 = r^2 for simplifications!

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Polar Coordinates
Algebra
Trigonometry

Formulas

x = r*cos(theta)
y = r*sin(theta)
r = sqrt(x^2 + y^2)

Theorems

Trigonometric Identity

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12