Chapter 6: Problem 80
Convert the rectangular equation to polar form. Assume \(a>0\). \(x^{2}+y^{2}=9 a^{2}\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The polar form of the given rectangular equation \(x^{2}+y^{2}=9a^{2}\) is \(r = 3a\).
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the conversions
Recall that the conversion from rectangular to polar coordinates involves the equations \(r = \sqrt{x^{2} + y^{2}}\) and \(\tan(θ) = y / x\). For conversion the other way around, \(x = r \cos(θ)\) and \(y = r \sin(θ)\).
02
Substituting rectangular coordinates with polar coordinates
You can solve the problem now by substituting the rectangular coordinates (x, y) in the given equation with their polar forms (using \(x = r \cos(θ)\) and \(y = r \sin(θ)\)). This gives you \((r \cos{θ})^2 + (r \sin{θ})^2 = 9a^2\).
03
Simplify the Equation
You can further simplify the equation to \(r^{2} \cos^{2}{θ} + r^{2} \sin^{2}{θ} = 9a^2\). Now, you can factor \(r^{2}\) out, so you have \(r^{2}(\cos^{2}{θ} + \sin^{2}{θ}) = 9a^{2}\).
04
Apply Trig Identity
Recall that the trigonometric ideantity \(\cos^2θ + \sin^2θ = 1\). Use this identity, to simplify your equation further, yielding \(r^{2} = 9a^{2}\).
05
Solve for r
The final step is to solve for r. This can be done by taking the square root of both sides, which results in \(r = 3a\), which is the polar form of the given equation.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Rectangular Coordinates
Rectangular coordinates, also known as Cartesian coordinates, serve as a foundation for understanding various geometric problems. In this coordinate system, any point on a plane is determined using two coordinates:
- **x-coordinate**: Represents the horizontal distance from the origin.
- **y-coordinate**: Indicates the vertical distance from the origin.
Trigonometric Identities
Trigonometric identities are equations involving trigonometric functions that are true for every value of the occurring variables. They play a vital role in simplifying expressions and solving equations. The identity \(\cos^2{\theta} + \sin^2{\theta} = 1\) is one of the Pythagorean identities and is fundamental in converting rectangular coordinates to polar coordinates.
- **Cosine function** measures the adjacent side over hypothenuse in a right triangle, which relates to the x-axis.
- **Sine function** measures the opposite side over hypothenuse, relating to the y-axis.
Coordinate Conversion
Coordinate conversion between rectangular and polar coordinates is a common task. Each point in a 2D plane can be represented in both forms, thus understanding how to convert one to another is essential.
- **From rectangular to polar coordinates:** The equations \(r = \sqrt{x^2 + y^2}\) and \(\tan(\theta) = \frac{y}{x}\) help in finding the corresponding polar coordinates \((r, \theta)\).
- **From polar to rectangular coordinates:** Using \(x = r \cos{\theta}\) and \(y = r \sin{\theta}\), you can retrieve the Cartesian statements.