Chapter 10: Problem 91
Convert the polar equation to rectangular form. $$r=4 \sin \theta$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
\The rectangular form of the polar equation \(r = 4 \sin \theta\) is \(y = 4\sin^2\theta - x^2\)
Step by step solution
01
Identify relationship between variables
The relation between polar coordinates (r, θ) and rectangular coordinates (x, y) can be expressed as follows: \(x= r \cos \theta\) and \(y= r \sin \theta\). In this particular case, the given polar equation is \(r = 4 \sin \theta\). The getKey here is to isolate y, the variable we're trying to express in rectangular coordinates.
02
Substitute \(r\) in y = r sin(θ)
Substitute \(r\) (which is \(4 \sin \theta\)) into \(y= r \sin \theta\) to get rectangular form. It is known that \(y= r \sin \theta\), therefore by substituting you get \(y = 4 \sin^2 \theta\).
03
Use trigonometric identity
To reduce the complexity of the function, we substitute \(\sin^2 \theta\) with the equivalent expression using the Pythagorean trigonometric identity, which is \(1 - cos^2 \theta\). So, \(y = 4(1 - \cos^2 \theta)\)
04
Substitute \(cos \theta\) in rectangular form
Now substitute \(\cos \theta\) with its rectangular equation \(cos \theta = \frac{x}{r}\). By doing so, you get \(y = 4(1 - \left(\frac{x}{r}\right)^2)\), which simplifies to \(y = 4(1 - \left(\frac{x}{4 \sin \theta}\right)^2)\)
05
Simplify the equation further
This relationship can now be simplified further as \(y = 4(\sin^2\theta - (\frac{x^2\sin^2\theta}{16} )\)
06
Simplify to final form
Finally, simplify the equation further to \(y = 4\sin^2\theta - x^2\). This is the equation in rectangular form
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Polar Coordinates
Polar coordinates, a system used to define positions on a plane, center around a point called the origin. Each point is identified by a distance from the origin, known as radius \(r\), and an angle \(\theta\), measured from the positive x-axis. This method is particularly efficient for problems involving circular or spiral forms, where angles play a critical role.
Unlike Cartesian coordinates—which specify points by horizontal and vertical distances from the origin—polar coordinates use:
Unlike Cartesian coordinates—which specify points by horizontal and vertical distances from the origin—polar coordinates use:
- \(r\): Distance from the origin.
- \(\theta\): Angle with respect to the positive x-axis.
Rectangular Coordinates
Rectangular coordinates, also known as Cartesian coordinates, utilize a grid defined by perpendicular x and y axes to locate points. These coordinates make calculations straightforward for linear movements but can be cumbersome for angles or circular paths.
Key characteristics include:
Key characteristics include:
- \(x\): The horizontal distance from the origin.
- \(y\): The vertical distance from the origin.
Trigonometric Identity
Trigonometric identities are equations involving trigonometric functions that are true for all angles \(\theta\). They play a crucial role in converting between different coordinate systems by simplifying equations.
Some commonly used trigonometric identities include:
Some commonly used trigonometric identities include:
- \(\sin^2 \theta + \cos^2 \theta = 1\) (Pythagorean Identity)
- \(\sin \theta = \frac{opposite}{hypotenuse}\)
- \(\cos \theta = \frac{adjacent}{hypotenuse}\)
Rectangular Form Equations
Transforming a polar equation into a rectangular form involves re-expressing terms using equivalent rectangular coordinates. This process can simplify solving and understanding the problem.
To convert \(r = 4 \sin \theta\) into a rectangular form, we:
To convert \(r = 4 \sin \theta\) into a rectangular form, we:
- Recognize that \(y = r \sin \theta = 4 \sin^2 \theta\).
- Apply the Pythagorean identity \(\sin^2 \theta = 1 - \cos^2 \theta\), to express it as \(4(1 - \left(\frac{x}{r}\right)^2 )\).