Rectangular to Polar Conversion

1. Jul 10, 2011

steveFerrera

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

I need to convert this to polar form; anyone have any ideas where to start?

2. Relevant equations

3. The attempt at a solution

I know this is incorrect but Im a bit overwelmed on this one.

any help would be wonderful! thanks!
1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

2. Relevant equations

3. The attempt at a solution

Last edited: Jul 11, 2011
2. Jul 10, 2011

SammyS

Staff Emeritus
You didn't include r when substituting for x & y on the right hand side of the equation.

Simplify (r2)3 by combining exponents. (Do this by using the properties of exponents.)

3. Jul 10, 2011

steveFerrera

did i do the substitutions right on the right side of the equation? or do i need to do some other manipulation of my relevant equations?

Last edited: Jul 11, 2011
4. Jul 10, 2011

SammyS

Staff Emeritus
Regarding the right hand side:
If x = r*cos(θ), then what is x2 ? Similar question for y.​

r5 is wrong too.
(am)n = am*n , not am+n.​

5. Jul 10, 2011

steveFerrera

Is there a standard form it needs to be in?

Should i try an simplify it further?

Last edited: Jul 11, 2011
6. Jul 10, 2011

Clever-Name

There's another simple step to simplify it further. What can you factor out of the right hand side that might allow for some cancelling?

7. Jul 10, 2011

SammyS

Staff Emeritus
On the right hand side you can do the squaring. For instance:
(r*cos(θ))2 = r2*cos2(θ)​
A similar result holds for the other term. Then, factor out 2*r2. Then, divide both sides by r2. Then there is a double angle identity on the right side.