Quick Question about Converting Polar cordinates

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on converting the equation \( y = \sqrt{12x - 2x^2} \) into polar coordinates. The conversion process involves using the relationships \( x = r \cos(\theta) \) and \( y = r \sin(\theta) \). Participants clarify that the correct transformation leads to \( r^2(\sin^2(\theta) - 2\cos^2(\theta)) = r(12\cos(\theta)) \), which simplifies to \( 12\cos(\theta) = r(1 + \cos^2(\theta)) \). The final step is to isolate \( r \) to complete the conversion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of polar coordinates and their relationships to Cartesian coordinates
  • Familiarity with trigonometric identities, particularly \( \sin^2(\theta) + \cos^2(\theta) = 1 \)
  • Basic algebraic manipulation skills for solving equations
  • Knowledge of conic sections, specifically ellipses
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the process of converting Cartesian equations to polar form in detail
  • Learn about the properties of ellipses and their equations in both Cartesian and polar coordinates
  • Practice solving polar coordinate problems using various examples
  • Explore advanced topics in polar coordinates, such as graphing polar equations and their applications
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Students studying calculus or analytical geometry, educators teaching coordinate transformations, and anyone interested in mastering polar coordinates and their applications in mathematics.

Quatros
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Homework Statement



I'm suppose to convert Sqrt[12x-2x^2] into a polar equation.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I went from that equation to r(sin(theta)^2 + 2cos(theta)^2)= 12cos(theta), I really don't know where to go from there.
 
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Quatros said:

Homework Statement



I'm suppose to convert Sqrt[12x-2x^2] into a polar equation.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I went from that equation to r(sin(theta)^2 + 2cos(theta)^2)= 12cos(theta), I really don't know where to go from there.
Rectangular to polar conversion usually would involve a 2-dimensional quantity. Can you post an image of the full question along with any figure?
 
Could you please show a complete equation in part 1. The problem statement is incomplete.
 
All I got was to convert y = sqrt[12x-2x^2] to polar form.
 
When you square both sides, you get ## r^2 ##. You can let ## sin^2(\theta)+cos^2(\theta)=1 ##, leaving one ## r^2 cos^2(\theta) ##. ## \\ ## Additional comment=the equation ## y^2=12x-2x^2 ## looks like an ellipse that is translated in the x-direction. In this case, it would only be taking the positive values of ## y ##. ## \\ ## Additional note: Except for simple graphs, polar coordinate expressions can often be somewhat clumsy to work with.
 
Charles Link said:
When you square both sides, you get ## r^2 ##. You can let ## sin^2(\theta)+cos^2(\theta)=1 ##, leaving one ## r^2 cos^2(\theta) ##. ## \\ ## Additional comment=the equation ## y^2=12x-2x^2 ## looks like an ellipse that is translated in the x-direction. In this case, it would only be taking the positive values of ## y ##. ## \\ ## Additional note: Except for simple graphs, polar coordinate expressions can often be somewhat clumsy to work with.

I'm a bit confused,
I went from y^2+2x^2 = 12x

then I converted to

r^2cos(theta) ^2- 2r^2sin(theta ) = 12rsin(theta)

r^2(cos(theta)^2-2r^2sin(theta )) = r(12sin(theta)
 
## x=r \cos(\theta) ##. You have it reversed.
 
Quatros said:
I'm a bit confused,
I went from y^2+2x^2 = 12x

then I converted to

r^2cos(theta) ^2- 2r^2sin(theta ) = 12rsin(theta)
This is incorrect. The relationship is ##y = r\sin(\theta)## and ##x = r\cos(\theta)##, not the other way around, as you have it.
Use the advice that Charles Link is giving.
Quatros said:
r^2(cos(theta)^2-2r^2sin(theta )) = r(12sin(theta)
 
Charles Link said:
## x=r \cos(\theta) ##. You have it reversed.

r^2(sin(theta)^2-2r^2cos(theta )^2) = r(12cos(theta))
12cos(theta) = (sin(theta)^2 +2cos(theta)^2)r ,

which is where i get stuck.
 
  • #10
Quatros said:
r^2(sin(theta)^2-2r^2cos(theta )^2) = r(12cos(theta))
12cos(theta) = (sin(theta)^2 +2cos(theta)^2)r ,

which is where i get stuck.
Can you see that ## sin^2(\theta)+2 cos^2(\theta)=[sin^2(\theta)+cos^2(\theta)]+cos^2(\theta) ##? That should be obvious.
 
  • #11
Ohhh, I see then i get 12cos(theta) = 1+ rcos^2(theta), then i just solve for r?
 
  • #12
Quatros said:
Ohhh, I see then i get 12cos(theta) = 1+ rcos^2(theta), then i just solve for r?
## 12 \cos(\theta)=r(1+\cos^2(\theta) ) ##. You can then solve for ## r ##.
 

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