Math Problem Statement

Find the Cartesian coordinates of the point whose polar coordinates are: (r, θ) = (4, π/2).

Solution

To find the Cartesian coordinates (x,y)(x, y) from the polar coordinates (r,θ)(r, \theta), we use the following conversion formulas:

x=rcos(θ)x = r \cdot \cos(\theta) y=rsin(θ)y = r \cdot \sin(\theta)

Given the polar coordinates (r,θ)=(4,π2)(r, \theta) = \left(4, \frac{\pi}{2}\right):

  1. For xx: x=4cos(π2)=40=0x = 4 \cdot \cos\left(\frac{\pi}{2}\right) = 4 \cdot 0 = 0

  2. For yy: y=4sin(π2)=41=4y = 4 \cdot \sin\left(\frac{\pi}{2}\right) = 4 \cdot 1 = 4

So, the Cartesian coordinates are (x,y)=(0,4)(x, y) = (0, 4).

Would you like more details on the conversion or have any other questions?

Here are 5 related questions:

  1. What are the Cartesian coordinates for polar coordinates (5,π)(5, \pi)?
  2. How do you convert Cartesian coordinates back to polar form?
  3. What happens if the radius rr is negative in polar coordinates?
  4. How does the angle θ\theta affect the Cartesian coordinates when it is greater than 2π2\pi?
  5. Can polar coordinates be used in three-dimensional space?

Tip: When converting between polar and Cartesian coordinates, remember that the sine function affects the vertical direction (y-coordinate), while the cosine function affects the horizontal direction (x-coordinate).

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Polar Coordinates
Cartesian Coordinates
Trigonometry

Formulas

x = r * cos(θ)
y = r * sin(θ)

Theorems

Polar-to-Cartesian Conversion

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12