Math Problem Statement

In a large city, the road system is set up like a Cartesian plane, where streets are indicated by the number of blocks they are from Street A and Street B. For example, a baseball field is located 10 blocks west of Street B and 34 blocks north of Street A. Treat the intersection of Street A and Street B as the origin of a coordinate system, with East being the positive x-axis. Answer parts (a)-(d): (a) Write the location of the baseball field using rectangular coordinates. (b) Write the location of the field using polar coordinates. Use the east direction for the polar axis. Express θ in degrees.

Solution

To solve part (b) and convert the rectangular coordinates (10,34)(-10, 34) into polar coordinates, we use the following formulas:

  1. Polar Radius (r): r=x2+y2r = \sqrt{x^2 + y^2} where x=10x = -10 and y=34y = 34.

  2. Polar Angle (θ\theta): θ=tan1(yx)\theta = \tan^{-1}\left(\frac{y}{x}\right) Here, the angle must be adjusted based on the quadrant. Since x<0x < 0 and y>0y > 0, the point is in the second quadrant, so we add 180180^\circ to the angle.

Let's compute these values.

  1. Calculate rr: r=(10)2+(34)2=100+1156=125635.45r = \sqrt{(-10)^2 + (34)^2} = \sqrt{100 + 1156} = \sqrt{1256} \approx 35.45

  2. Calculate θ\theta: θ=tan1(3410)=tan1(3.4)\theta = \tan^{-1}\left(\frac{34}{-10}\right) = \tan^{-1}(-3.4) The arctangent of 3.4-3.4 gives an angle of approximately 73.74-73.74^\circ. Since we are in the second quadrant, we add 180180^\circ: θ=18073.74=106.26\theta = 180^\circ - 73.74^\circ = 106.26^\circ

Final Answer (Polar Coordinates): (35.45,106.26)(35.45, 106.26^\circ)

Let me know if you want further clarification or detailed steps!


Here are some related questions to expand your understanding:

  1. How can you confirm the quadrant of a point from rectangular coordinates?
  2. What are the key differences between polar and rectangular coordinates?
  3. How do you calculate polar coordinates when the point lies on an axis?
  4. What happens to the polar angle θ\theta when both xx and yy are negative?
  5. How do you convert polar coordinates back into rectangular coordinates?

Tip: Always adjust the angle θ\theta based on the quadrant to ensure accurate polar coordinate conversion!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Coordinate Geometry
Polar and Rectangular Coordinates Conversion
Trigonometry

Formulas

Polar Radius: r = √(x² + y²)
Polar Angle: θ = tan⁻¹(y/x) (adjusted for quadrant)

Theorems

Pythagorean Theorem
Inverse Trigonometric Functions

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12