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Ch. 5 - Complex Numbers, Polar Coordinates and Parametric Equations
Blitzer - Trigonometry 3rd Edition
Blitzer3rd EditionTrigonometryISBN: 9780137316601Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 5, Problem 35

In Exercises 27–36, write each complex number in rectangular form. If necessary, round to the nearest tenth. 20(cos 205° + i sin 205°)

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Recognize that the given complex number is in polar (trigonometric) form: \(r(\cos \theta + i \sin \theta)\), where \(r = 20\) and \(\theta = 205^\circ\).
Recall that to convert from polar form to rectangular form, use the formulas: \(x = r \cos \theta\) and \(y = r \sin \theta\), where \(x\) is the real part and \(y\) is the imaginary part.
Calculate the real part: \(x = 20 \times \cos 205^\circ\).
Calculate the imaginary part: \(y = 20 \times \sin 205^\circ\).
Write the complex number in rectangular form as \(x + yi\), substituting the values found for \(x\) and \(y\). If necessary, round \(x\) and \(y\) to the nearest tenth.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Polar and Rectangular Forms of Complex Numbers

Complex numbers can be expressed in polar form as r(cos θ + i sin θ), where r is the magnitude and θ is the argument. The rectangular form represents the same number as a + bi, where a and b are real numbers corresponding to the x and y coordinates in the complex plane.
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Converting Complex Numbers from Polar to Rectangular Form

Conversion from Polar to Rectangular Form

To convert a complex number from polar to rectangular form, use the formulas a = r cos θ and b = r sin θ. Here, a is the real part and b is the imaginary part. This allows the expression r(cos θ + i sin θ) to be rewritten as a + bi.
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Converting Complex Numbers from Polar to Rectangular Form

Trigonometric Function Evaluation and Rounding

Evaluating cos θ and sin θ for angles like 205° requires understanding of the unit circle and possibly using a calculator. After computing these values, multiply by r and round the results to the nearest tenth if specified, ensuring the final rectangular form is accurate and concise.
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