Convert polar equation sec(theta)=2 to rectangular equation

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SUMMARY

The polar equation sec(θ) = 2 converts to the rectangular equation y² - 3x² = 0. The conversion process involves recognizing that sec(θ) is the reciprocal of cos(θ), leading to cos(θ) = 1/2. By substituting x = r cos(θ) and r = √(x² + y²), the equation is manipulated to derive the final rectangular form. This method highlights the relationship between polar and rectangular coordinates in trigonometric equations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of polar coordinates and their relation to rectangular coordinates
  • Familiarity with trigonometric identities, specifically secant and cosine
  • Knowledge of algebraic manipulation involving square roots and quadratic equations
  • Basic skills in converting between polar and rectangular forms
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of polar to rectangular coordinate transformations
  • Learn about trigonometric identities and their applications in coordinate conversions
  • Explore quadratic equations and their graphical representations
  • Practice converting various polar equations to rectangular forms
USEFUL FOR

Students in mathematics, particularly those studying calculus or analytical geometry, as well as educators looking for clear examples of polar to rectangular conversions.

Elissa89
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My professor gave us a study guide with the solutions:

The equation is:

sec(theta)=2

I am supposed to convert it to a rectangular equation. I know the answer is going to be y^2-3(x)^2=0

I don't know how to get to the answer he gave us.
 
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Elissa89 said:
My professor gave us a study guide with the solutions:

The equation is:

sec(theta)=2

I am supposed to convert it to a rectangular equation. I know the answer is going to be y^2-3(x)^2=0

I don't know how to get to the answer he gave us.

note that $x = r\cos{\theta}$ and $r=\sqrt{x^2+y^2}$ ...$\sec{\theta} = \dfrac{1}{\cos{\theta}} = 2 \implies \cos{\theta}=\dfrac{1}{2}$

multiply both sides by $r$ ...

$r\cos{\theta} = \dfrac{r}{2} \implies x = \dfrac{\sqrt{x^2+y^2}}{2} \implies x^2 = \dfrac{x^2+y^2}{4}$$4x^2 = x^2+y^2 \implies y^2 - 3x^2 = 0$
 
skeeter said:
note that $x = r\cos{\theta}$ and $r=\sqrt{x^2+y^2}$ ...$\sec{\theta} = \dfrac{1}{\cos{\theta}} = 2 \implies \cos{\theta}=\dfrac{1}{2}$

multiply both sides by $r$ ...

$r\cos{\theta} = \dfrac{r}{2} \implies x = \dfrac{\sqrt{x^2+y^2}}{2} \implies x^2 = \dfrac{x^2+y^2}{4}$$4x^2 = x^2+y^2 \implies y^2 - 3x^2 = 0$

*Sigh* It's always so obvious when someone shows me the steps but I have the hardest time figuring it out on my own. thanks
 

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