Math Problem Statement

Convert each polar equation to rectangular form: (a) r = 2 / (4 cos θ - 5 sin θ) (b) r = -10 sin θ

Solution

To convert the given polar equations into rectangular form, we will use the following relationships between polar and rectangular coordinates:

  1. x=rcosθx = r \cos \theta
  2. y=rsinθy = r \sin \theta
  3. r2=x2+y2r^2 = x^2 + y^2
  4. tanθ=yx\tan \theta = \frac{y}{x}

Now let's solve the two parts:

Part (a)

The given polar equation is:

r=24cosθ5sinθr = \frac{2}{4 \cos \theta - 5 \sin \theta}

To convert to rectangular form, we multiply both sides of the equation by (4cosθ5sinθ)(4 \cos \theta - 5 \sin \theta):

r(4cosθ5sinθ)=2r(4 \cos \theta - 5 \sin \theta) = 2

Now substitute rcosθ=xr \cos \theta = x and rsinθ=yr \sin \theta = y:

4x5y=24x - 5y = 2

This is the rectangular form of the equation.

Part (b)

The given polar equation is:

r=10sinθr = -10 \sin \theta

Using the substitution rsinθ=yr \sin \theta = y, the equation becomes:

r=10yrr = -10 \cdot \frac{y}{r}

Now, multiply both sides by rr:

r2=10yr^2 = -10y

Using the identity r2=x2+y2r^2 = x^2 + y^2:

x2+y2=10yx^2 + y^2 = -10y

Thus, the rectangular form is:

x2+y2+10y=0x^2 + y^2 + 10y = 0

We could further simplify or complete the square if necessary, but this is the basic rectangular form.


Do you have any questions or would you like further details?

Here are 5 related questions:

  1. How do you complete the square to simplify part (b) further?
  2. What are the advantages of converting polar equations to rectangular form?
  3. Can you plot both the rectangular and polar forms to see the curve behavior?
  4. How do you derive the polar to rectangular coordinate transformations?
  5. Can polar equations always be converted to rectangular form?

Tip: It's helpful to remember that r=x2+y2r = \sqrt{x^2 + y^2} and tanθ=yx\tan \theta = \frac{y}{x} when converting between forms!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Polar to Rectangular Conversion
Coordinate Geometry
Trigonometry

Formulas

x = r cos(θ)
y = r sin(θ)
r^2 = x^2 + y^2

Theorems

Relationship between polar and rectangular coordinates
Identity: r^2 = x^2 + y^2

Suitable Grade Level

Grade 10-12