Converting from polar equations to rectangular equations

[bubbly16]

Convert the following polar equation to rectangular equation. Then graph each, carefully labelling at least 2 points on each graph. You can graph and identify points using either polar or rectangular coordinates.

a) r^2 = 9cos(3Ө)


I'm having trouble with getting started on this equation. If someone could provide steps so I could figure out how to work out the problem. So far I have gotten to r=3 sqrt cos(3Ө) however I'm not sure im supposed to distribute the square just yet. So my question is should i instead multiply both sides by r to get the same variable on both sides?

 

[Deleted member 4993]

Convert the following two polar equations to rectangular equations. Then graph each, carefullylabelling at least 2 points on each graph. You can graph and identify points using either polar orrectangular coordinates.

b) r^2 = 9cos(3Ө) → equation # 1


I'm having trouble with getting started on this equation. If someone could provide steps so I could figure out how to work out the problem.

You have posted 1 equation? Where is the other one?

What are your thoughts?

Please share your work with us ...even if you know it is wrong

If you are stuck at the beginning tell us and we'll start with the definitions.

You need to read the rules of this forum. Please read the post titled "Read before Posting" at the following URL:

http://www.freemathhelp.com/forum/th...Before-Posting

 

[stapel]

Convert the following polar equations to rectangular equations. Then graph each, carefully labelling at least 2 points on each graph. You can graph and identify points using either polar or rectangular coordinates.

a) r^2 = 9cos(3Ө)

...So far I have gotten to r=3 sqrt cos(3Ө) however I'm not sure im supposed to distribute the square just yet.

What do you mean by "distributing the square"?

So my question is should i instead multiply both sides by r to get the same variable on both sides?

How would that help? You'd end up with r³ on the left-hand side. To what would you equate that, in terms of "x" and "y"? Can you provide an example from your book or your class notes where this was helpful?

What formulas did they give you for converting between polar and rectangular coordinates? How far have you gotten in applying these?

Please be complete. Thank you!