Chapter 7: Problem 3
Convert the point with the given polar coordinates to rectangular coordinates \((x, y) .\) polar coordinates \(\left(4, \frac{\pi}{2}\right)\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The rectangular coordinates of the given polar coordinates \(\left(4, \frac{\pi}{2}\right)\) are \((x, y) = (0, 4)\).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the polar coordinates
Let's identify the polar coordinates provided:
\(r = 4\)
\(\theta = \frac{\pi}{2}\)
02
Apply the conversion formula for the x-coordinate
Now, let's apply the conversion formula for the x-coordinate:
\(x = r\cos(\theta) = 4\cos\left(\frac{\pi}{2}\right)\)
03
Evaluate the x-coordinate
We can evaluate the x-coordinate expression:
\(x = 4\cos\left(\frac{\pi}{2}\right) = 4(0) = 0\)
04
Apply the conversion formula for the y-coordinate
Now, let's apply the conversion formula for the y-coordinate:
\(y = r\sin(\theta) = 4\sin\left(\frac{\pi}{2}\right)\)
05
Evaluate the y-coordinate
We can evaluate the y-coordinate expression:
\(y = 4\sin\left(\frac{\pi}{2}\right) = 4(1) = 4\)
06
Write the rectangular coordinates
With both the x and y values evaluated, we can now write the rectangular coordinates of the point:
\((x, y) = (0, 4)\)
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Polar Coordinates
Polar coordinates are a way of representing points in a plane using a combination of a distance and an angle. This method is quite different from the usual Cartesian system we might be used to. Instead of using two perpendicular axes with values for x and y, polar coordinates use:
- **A radius** \(r\), which is the distance from a fixed point called the origin.
- **An angle** \(\theta\), which is typically measured in radians from a fixed direction.
Rectangular Coordinates
Rectangular coordinates, also known as Cartesian coordinates, represent points using two values, x and y, which correspond to horizontal and vertical distances from the origin. This system is one of the most common methods used in mathematics due to its straightforward grid-like representation.
- The **x-coordinate** indicates the horizontal position.
- The **y-coordinate** indicates the vertical position.
Trigonometric Functions
Trigonometric functions are essential components for converting polar coordinates to rectangular coordinates. These functions help bridge the gap between polar angle-distance representation and Cartesian x-y representation. The two main functions used in this process are:
- **Sine** \(\sin(\theta)\): helps determine the vertical component of the point.
- **Cosine** \(\cos(\theta)\): helps determine the horizontal component of the point.
- \(x = r\cos(\theta)\): provides the horizontal component.
- \(y = r\sin(\theta)\): provides the vertical component.
Coordinate Systems
Coordinate systems like polar and rectangular are organizational schemas for representing the position of a point. Each system has its distinct advantages depending on the geometric or real-world problem at hand.
- **Rectangular systems** are great for linear motion and regular, grid-based layouts. They're ideal for everyday mapping and spatial design.
- **Polar systems** cater to radial and angular dynamics, such as those found in rotational mechanics or navigation on a circular path.