Math Problem Statement

Convert the polar coordinate (8, π/4) to Cartesian coordinates. Enter exact values.

Solution

To convert polar coordinates (r,θ)(r, \theta) to Cartesian coordinates (x,y)(x, y), we use the formulas:

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

Here, r=8r = 8 and θ=π4\theta = \frac{\pi}{4}. Using these:

  1. x=8cos(π4)x = 8 \cos\left(\frac{\pi}{4}\right)

    • cos(π4)=22\cos\left(\frac{\pi}{4}\right) = \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}, so: x=822=42x = 8 \cdot \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2} = 4\sqrt{2}
  2. y=8sin(π4)y = 8 \sin\left(\frac{\pi}{4}\right)

    • sin(π4)=22\sin\left(\frac{\pi}{4}\right) = \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}, so: y=822=42y = 8 \cdot \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2} = 4\sqrt{2}

Final Answer:

x=42,y=42x = 4\sqrt{2}, \quad y = 4\sqrt{2}

Would you like a detailed explanation of the formulas or their derivations? Here are 5 related questions to expand your knowledge:

  1. What is the geometric interpretation of converting between polar and Cartesian coordinates?
  2. How do sine and cosine values relate to angles in a unit circle?
  3. What happens to the Cartesian coordinates if rr is negative in polar coordinates?
  4. Can you derive the reverse formulas to convert Cartesian coordinates to polar coordinates?
  5. Why are exact values like 2\sqrt{2} used instead of decimal approximations in mathematics?

Tip: Always visualize polar and Cartesian coordinates on a graph to better understand the conversion process!

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Polar Coordinates
Cartesian Coordinates
Trigonometry

Formulas

x = r * cos(θ)
y = r * sin(θ)

Theorems

Trigonometric Ratios
Unit Circle

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12