Math Problem Statement

Write the polar equation r = 4sinθ - 6cosθ in rectangular form.

Solution

To convert the given polar equation r=4sinθ6cosθr = 4 \sin \theta - 6 \cos \theta into rectangular form, we can use the following standard polar-to-rectangular conversions:

  • r=x2+y2r = \sqrt{x^2 + y^2}
  • x=rcosθx = r \cos \theta
  • y=rsinθy = r \sin \theta

We will also need the identity relations for the trigonometric functions:

  • sinθ=yr\sin \theta = \frac{y}{r}
  • cosθ=xr\cos \theta = \frac{x}{r}

Step-by-Step Conversion:

  1. Start with the given equation: r=4sinθ6cosθr = 4 \sin \theta - 6 \cos \theta

  2. Replace sinθ\sin \theta and cosθ\cos \theta using their rectangular equivalents: r=4(yr)6(xr)r = 4 \left(\frac{y}{r}\right) - 6 \left(\frac{x}{r}\right)

  3. Multiply both sides by rr to eliminate the denominator: r2=4y6xr^2 = 4y - 6x

  4. Now, recall that r2=x2+y2r^2 = x^2 + y^2, so we substitute this into the equation: x2+y2=4y6xx^2 + y^2 = 4y - 6x

  5. Rearrange the equation to set everything to one side: x2+y2+6x4y=0x^2 + y^2 + 6x - 4y = 0

  6. Complete the square for both the xx-terms and yy-terms:

    • For xx, take half of 6 and square it: (62)2=9\left(\frac{6}{2}\right)^2 = 9, so we add and subtract 9.
    • For yy, take half of 4 and square it: (42)2=4\left(\frac{4}{2}\right)^2 = 4, so we add and subtract 4.

    The equation becomes: (x2+6x+9)+(y24y+4)=9+4(x^2 + 6x + 9) + (y^2 - 4y + 4) = 9 + 4 Simplifying: (x+3)2+(y2)2=13(x + 3)^2 + (y - 2)^2 = 13

This is the equation of a circle with center (3,2)(-3, 2) and radius 13\sqrt{13}.

Conclusion:

The correct rectangular form is: (x+3)2+(y2)2=13(x + 3)^2 + (y - 2)^2 = 13

Thus, the correct answer is C.

Would you like further details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions for deeper understanding:

  1. How do you convert between polar and rectangular coordinates?
  2. What is the geometric interpretation of the equation r=4sinθ6cosθr = 4 \sin \theta - 6 \cos \theta?
  3. How does completing the square help in solving conic sections?
  4. Can you generalize how to find the center and radius of a circle from its equation?
  5. What other types of equations can be converted between polar and rectangular forms?

Tip: Remember that completing the square is a useful technique when transforming quadratic equations into standard forms like circles or parabolas.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Polar Coordinates
Rectangular Coordinates
Trigonometry

Formulas

r = √(x² + y²)
x = rcosθ
y = rsinθ
sinθ = y/r
cosθ = x/r

Theorems

Conversion between polar and rectangular coordinates

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12 or College Level