In the polar coordinate system, what is the name for a set of coordinates such as the one indicated with (for example, )?
Table of contents
- 0. Review of College Algebra4h 43m
- 1. Measuring Angles40m
- 2. Trigonometric Functions on Right Triangles2h 5m
- 3. Unit Circle1h 19m
- 4. Graphing Trigonometric Functions1h 19m
- 5. Inverse Trigonometric Functions and Basic Trigonometric Equations1h 41m
- 6. Trigonometric Identities and More Equations2h 34m
- 7. Non-Right Triangles1h 38m
- 8. Vectors2h 25m
- 9. Polar Equations2h 5m
- 10. Parametric Equations1h 6m
- 11. Graphing Complex Numbers1h 7m
9. Polar Equations
Polar Coordinate System
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Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
Given the polar equation , which of the following is its equivalent Cartesian equation?
A
B
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D
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall the relationships between polar and Cartesian coordinates: \(r = \sqrt{x^{2} + y^{2}}\), \(x = r \cos(\theta)\), and \(y = r \sin(\theta)\).
Start with the given polar equation: \(r = 9 \cos(\theta)\).
Substitute \(\cos(\theta)\) with its Cartesian equivalent \(\frac{x}{r}\), so the equation becomes \(r = 9 \cdot \frac{x}{r}\).
Multiply both sides of the equation by \(r\) to eliminate the denominator: \(r^{2} = 9x\).
Replace \(r^{2}\) with \(x^{2} + y^{2}\) to get the Cartesian form: \(x^{2} + y^{2} = 9x\).
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