How do you write the polar equation r=3costhetar=3cosθ in rectangular form?

1 Answer
Jun 1, 2018

Shown below:

Explanation:

r = 3 cos theta r=3cosθ

=> r^2 = 3 r cos theta r2=3rcosθ

Use your conversions:

r^2 = x^2 + y^2 r2=x2+y2

r cos theta = x rcosθ=x

r sin theta = y rsinθ=y

color(red)(=> x^2+ y^2 = 3x x2+y2=3x

You can also put this into the regular circle form

=> x^2 - 3x + 9/4 + y^2 = 9/4 x23x+94+y2=94

color(red)(=> (x - 3/2 )^2 + y^2 = 9/4 (x32)2+y2=94