How can I convert a polar equation into a cartesian equation with two circles?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around converting a polar equation, specifically r = √(1 + sin(2θ)), into its Cartesian form. Participants note that the equation appears to represent two circles and are exploring how to derive the Cartesian representation from the polar equation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants share their attempts at manipulating the polar equation into Cartesian coordinates, with one participant providing a complex polynomial form. Others suggest hints and methods for rewriting and factoring the equation, while questioning how conclusions can be drawn from the derived forms.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with various participants contributing different approaches and insights. Some have provided hints and partial solutions, while others are seeking clarification on the reasoning behind certain steps. There is no explicit consensus on a final solution yet, but productive dialogue is ongoing.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of homework rules, which may limit the extent of guidance they can provide to one another. There is a focus on understanding the relationship between the polar and Cartesian forms without revealing complete solutions.

thenewbosco
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i have this equation: [tex]r=\sqrt{1+sin2\theta}[/tex]
and am to convert to cartesian equation and from the equation see that it consists of two circles and directly note the radii of the cirlcles from the equation.

so far i have manipulated it and gotten:

[tex]x^6 + 3x^4 y^2 + 3 x^2 y^4 + y^6 - x^4 -6x^2 y^2 - 4x^3 y -y^4 - 4y^3 x=0[/tex]

any suggestions on how to get it into the required form?
thanks
 
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HINT: [tex]\sin \alpha = \cos \left (\frac {\pi}{2} - \alpha\right)[/tex]
 
It should be a fourth order equation in x and y. I get:

[tex]\left[ \left(x+\frac{1}{2}\right) ^2 + \left(y+\frac{1}{2}\right) ^2 -\frac{1}{2}\right] \left[ \left(x-\frac{1}{2}\right) ^2 + \left(y-\frac{1}{2}\right) ^2 -\frac{1}{2}\right] =0[/tex]
 
Well, i get something like

[tex]x^2 +y^2 =1+\frac{2xy}{x^2 +y^2}[/tex],

from which the conclusion follows easily.

Daniel.
 
dextercioby said:
Well, i get something like
[tex]x^2 +y^2 =1+\frac{2xy}{x^2 +y^2}[/tex],
from which the conclusion follows easily.
Daniel.

yes, i too found this but can you explain how the conclusion follows easily from this?
 
For starters, rewrite it in the form:
[tex](x^{2}+y^{2})^{2}=(x+y)^{2}[/tex]
 
benorin said:
then factor it using difference of squares
That was to be my next hint..:frown:

Then, the grand finale would have been to refer to your earlier solution to this problem. I won't do that now.
 
There :rolleyes: , or rather not there: all better?
 

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