Chapter 9: Problem 41
Convert the equation to polar form. $$ x=y $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The polar form of the equation is \( \theta = \frac{\pi}{4} + n\pi \).
Step by step solution
01
Understand Cartesian Coordinates Conversion
We're given the equation in Cartesian coordinates as \( x = y \). To convert this to polar coordinates, remember the relationships: \( x = r \cos \theta \) and \( y = r \sin \theta \). We'll use these to rewrite the equation.
02
Substitute Cartesian to Polar Relations
Substitute \( x = r \cos \theta \) and \( y = r \sin \theta \) into the given equation. This gives us the equation \( r \cos \theta = r \sin \theta \).
03
Simplify the Equation
We have \( r \cos \theta = r \sin \theta \). Assuming \( r eq 0 \), we can divide both sides by \( r \) to simplify, resulting in \( \cos \theta = \sin \theta \).
04
Solve for \( \theta \)
To solve \( \cos \theta = \sin \theta \), divide both sides by \( \cos \theta \) to get \( 1 = \tan \theta \). This means \( \theta = \frac{\pi}{4} + n\pi \), where \( n \) is an integer.
05
Write the Polar Form
The equation in polar form is \( \theta = \frac{\pi}{4} + n\pi \). This represents a set of lines that pass through the origin at a 45° angle and every subsequent 180° increment.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Cartesian coordinates
In mathematics, Cartesian coordinates are a way to specify the position of a point in a plane using a pair of numerical values, often represented as \( (x, y) \). These values denote the distance from the respective point to two perpendicular axes: the x-axis (horizontal) and the y-axis (vertical). Each point determined by Cartesian coordinates corresponds to a unique position in a two-dimensional plane.
- The x-coordinate specifies how far along the point is from the y-axis.
- The y-coordinate indicates how far the point is from the x-axis.
conversion
The conversion from Cartesian coordinates to polar coordinates is essential when you need a different perspective or require a description based on angles and distance. In polar coordinates, a point in the plane is described using a radius \( r \) and an angle \( \theta \).
To convert any equation from Cartesian to polar form, use these essential equations:
To convert any equation from Cartesian to polar form, use these essential equations:
- For the x-coordinate: \( x = r \cos \theta \).
- For the y-coordinate: \( y = r \sin \theta \).
trigonometric identities
Trigonometric identities are equations involving trigonometric functions that are true for all values of the variables involved. They play a crucial role in the process of converting and simplifying expressions during coordinate transformation.
In the exercise of converting \( x = y \) to polar form, the relation \( \cos \theta = \sin \theta \) emerges, leading us to use the identity related to tangent. Simplifying gives us:
In the exercise of converting \( x = y \) to polar form, the relation \( \cos \theta = \sin \theta \) emerges, leading us to use the identity related to tangent. Simplifying gives us:
- \( \tan \theta = 1 \) indicating that the angle \( \theta \) is \( \frac{\pi}{4} + n\pi \).
polar equations
Polar equations describe mathematical relationships using the polar coordinate system, where each point is defined by a distance from the origin and an angle from a reference direction. They often simplify the representation of curves and relations involving rotation and symmetry.
In polar form, an equation like \( \theta = \frac{\pi}{4} + n\pi \) represents a family of lines radiating out from the origin of the polar coordinate system.
In polar form, an equation like \( \theta = \frac{\pi}{4} + n\pi \) represents a family of lines radiating out from the origin of the polar coordinate system.
- These lines have an equal spacing of \( 180^\circ \) between them.
- The periodicity in the angle \( n\pi \) allows the equation to express all lines that intersect with the origin at specified angles.