Table of contents
- 0. Review of College Algebra4h 43m
- 1. Measuring Angles39m
- 2. Trigonometric Functions on Right Triangles2h 5m
- 3. Unit Circle1h 19m
- 4. Graphing Trigonometric Functions1h 19m
- 5. Inverse Trigonometric Functions and Basic Trigonometric Equations1h 41m
- 6. Trigonometric Identities and More Equations2h 34m
- 7. Non-Right Triangles1h 38m
- 8. Vectors2h 25m
- 9. Polar Equations2h 5m
- 10. Parametric Equations1h 6m
- 11. Graphing Complex Numbers1h 7m
9. Polar Equations
Polar Coordinate System
Problem 11b
Textbook Question
Convert x² + (y + 8)² = 64 to a polar equation that expresses r in terms of θ.

1
Recognize that the given equation is in the form of a circle: \(x^2 + (y + 8)^2 = 64\).
Recall the polar coordinate transformations: \(x = r \cos(\theta)\) and \(y = r \sin(\theta)\).
Substitute \(x = r \cos(\theta)\) and \(y = r \sin(\theta)\) into the equation: \((r \cos(\theta))^2 + (r \sin(\theta) + 8)^2 = 64\).
Simplify the equation: \(r^2 \cos^2(\theta) + (r \sin(\theta) + 8)^2 = 64\).
Further simplify and solve for \(r\) in terms of \(\theta\) by expanding and combining like terms.

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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Polar Coordinates
Polar coordinates represent points in a plane using a distance from a reference point (the origin) and an angle from a reference direction (usually the positive x-axis). In polar coordinates, a point is expressed as (r, θ), where r is the radial distance and θ is the angle. Understanding this system is crucial for converting Cartesian equations to polar form.
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Intro to Polar Coordinates
Conversion from Cartesian to Polar
To convert a Cartesian equation to polar form, we use the relationships x = r cos(θ) and y = r sin(θ). By substituting these expressions into the Cartesian equation, we can express the equation in terms of r and θ. This process is essential for solving problems that require the analysis of curves in polar coordinates.
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Converting Complex Numbers from Polar to Rectangular Form
Circle Equation in Cartesian Coordinates
The given equation x² + (y + 8)² = 64 represents a circle in Cartesian coordinates, centered at (0, -8) with a radius of 8. Recognizing the standard form of a circle is important for identifying its properties and for correctly transforming it into polar coordinates. This understanding aids in visualizing the geometric implications of the equation.
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Equations of Circles & Ellipses
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