How do you convert r = 4/cos(theta) into cartesian form?

1 Answer
Jun 5, 2016

x=4.

Explanation:

If cos theta is not 0, r cos theta= x =4.

The polar equation represents line parallel to y-axis ( theta = 0 ),

at a distance 4, above..

If r is restricted to be >=0 ( here, >=4 ), the whole line is traceable, in polar mode, for theta in (0, pi/2) and theta in ((3pi)/2, 2pi). There are infinite discontinuities for r at theta = pi/2 and theta=(3pi)/2..

Interestingly, the half-lines traced this way are made in the same

direction theta = 0.