Converting a polar equation to an x,y equation

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Homework Statement


r=(1/(2+cos(θ))

Homework Equations


r=sqrt(x^2+y^2)
rcosθ=x
rsinθ=y

The Attempt at a Solution



Not sure what first step to take. This problem looks so simple, but I can't seem to get far on paper. Not sure if I should multiply both sides by 2+cos and then multiply both sides by r, or if I should change the fraction as (2+cos)^-1.
 
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Timebomb3750 said:

Homework Statement


r=(1/(2+cos(θ))


Homework Equations


r=sqrt(x^2+y^2)
rcosθ=x
rsinθ=y

The Attempt at a Solution



Not sure what first step to take. This problem looks so simple, but I can't seem to get far on paper. Not sure if I should multiply both sides by 2+cos and then multiply both sides by r, or if I should change the fraction as (2+cos)^-1.
You knew the answer all along.
 
There are two things I don't understand about this problem. First, when finding the nth root of a number, there should in theory be n solutions. However, the formula produces n+1 roots. Here is how. The first root is simply ##\left(r\right)^{\left(\frac{1}{n}\right)}##. Then you multiply this first root by n additional expressions given by the formula, as you go through k=0,1,...n-1. So you end up with n+1 roots, which cannot be correct. Let me illustrate what I mean. For this...
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