Chapter 9: Problem 46
(a) \(r \cos \theta=-2\) (b) \(r \sin \theta=4\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The point is (x, y) = (-2, 4) and \( r = 2\sqrt{5} \). \( \theta = \tan^{-1}(-2) \).
Step by step solution
01
Interpretation of Polar Coordinate Equations
In the problem, we are given equations involving polar coordinates: (a) \( r \cos \theta = -2 \) (b) \( r \sin \theta = 4 \).We need to convert these into Cartesian coordinates expressions, as well as find the value of \( r \) and \( \theta \).
02
Convert to Cartesian Coordinates
We know the relationships between polar and Cartesian coordinates: - \( x = r \cos \theta \)- \( y = r \sin \theta \).Use these to express the given equations in terms of \( x \) and \( y \):(a) \( x = -2 \)(b) \( y = 4 \).Thus, the Cartesian coordinate representation is simply \((x, y) = (-2, 4)\).
03
Find r and θ
Using the equations, we know:1. \( r \cos \theta = -2 \)2. \( r \sin \theta = 4 \).Divide equation (2) by equation (1):\[ \frac{r \sin \theta}{r \cos \theta} = \frac{4}{-2} \]\[ \tan \theta = -2 \].Thus, \( \theta = \tan^{-1}(-2) \).To find \( r \), use the equation:\( r = \sqrt{x^2 + y^2} = \sqrt{(-2)^2 + 4^2} = \sqrt{4 + 16} = \sqrt{20} = 2 \sqrt{5}\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Cartesian Coordinates
Cartesian coordinates use two perpendicular axes, typically labeled as the x-axis (horizontal) and y-axis (vertical). Each point in this coordinate system is represented as an ordered pair (x, y), where:
In the context of the given exercise, we used the relationships:
- x is the horizontal position of the point.
- y is the vertical position of the point.
In the context of the given exercise, we used the relationships:
- For expression (a), the x-coordinate is derived: \(x = r \cos \theta = -2\).
- For expression (b), the y-coordinate is calculated: \(y = r \sin \theta = 4\).
Conversion between Polar and Cartesian Coordinates
Polar coordinates represent a point in a plane using a distance and an angle. They are written as (r, \(\theta\)), where:
- r is the distance from the origin to the point.
- \(\theta\) is the angle measured from the positive x-axis to the line connecting the origin to the point.
- \(x = r \cos \theta\)
- \(y = r \sin \theta\)
- Equation (a): \(x = -2\)
- Equation (b): \(y = 4\)
Trigonometric Functions
Trigonometric functions relate the angles and sides of a right triangle. They are fundamental in various branches of mathematics and science. The primary trigonometric functions used in the exercise include:
In the exercise, we used these functions to find \(\theta\), specifically:
- Cosine (\(\cos\)): Relates the adjacent side to the hypotenuse in a right triangle.
- Sine (\(\sin\)): Relates the opposite side to the hypotenuse.
- Tangent (\(\tan\)): Ratio between sine and cosine, \(\tan \theta = \frac{\sin \theta}{\cos \theta}\).
In the exercise, we used these functions to find \(\theta\), specifically:
- From \(\tan \theta = \frac{r \sin \theta}{r \cos \theta} = \frac{4}{-2} = -2\), we calculated \(\theta = \tan^{-1}(-2)\), which provides the angle relative to the x-axis.