Polar to Rectangular conversions

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on converting the polar equation r² = 2cos(2θ) into rectangular form. Key steps involve substituting r with √(x² + y²) and using the identities x = rcos(θ) and y = rsin(θ). The transformation requires recognizing that cos(2θ) can be expressed as cos²(θ) - sin²(θ), leading to the equation (r²)² = 2(r²cos²(θ) - r²sin²(θ)). This simplification allows for a straightforward conversion to rectangular coordinates.

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Eng67
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I am at a standstill with the solution to this problem.

I need to convert r^2=2cos(2 theta) to rectangular form.

I know that x = rcos(theta) and y = rsin(theta)

so far I have r = (2cos(2theta))/r

then I substitute for r

sqrt(x^2+y^2)= (2cos(2theta))/sqrt(x^2+y^2)

Then I hit a brick wall.

please help me knock down this wall.

Thanks
 
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Replace r² by x²+y² and theta = arctan(y/x).
 
So I then would have

sqrt(x^2+y^2)= (2cos(2arctan y/x))/sqrt(x^2+y^2)

I am still stuck.
 
Eng67 said:
I am at a standstill with the solution to this problem.

I need to convert r^2=2cos(2 theta) to rectangular form.

I know that x = rcos(theta) and y = rsin(theta)

so far I have r = (2cos(2theta))/r

then I substitute for r

sqrt(x^2+y^2)= (2cos(2theta))/sqrt(x^2+y^2)

Then I hit a brick wall.

please help me knock down this wall.

Thanks

Back up a little! You have r^2= 2 cos(2\theta) so first note that cos(2\theta)= cos^2(\theta)- sin^2(\theta) so that
r^2= 2(cos^2(\theta)- sin^2(\theta))
Now multiply on both sides by r2 to get
(r^2)^2= 2(r^2cos^2(\theta)- r^2sin^2(\theta))
I'll bet you can convert that to rectangular coordinates!
 
Thanks!

This is now so simple.
 

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