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 13a
Textbook Question
In Exercises 11–20, use a polar coordinate system like the one shown for Exercises 1–10 to plot each point with the given polar coordinates. (3, 90°)
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Understand that polar coordinates are given in the form \((r, \theta)\), where \(r\) is the radial distance from the origin and \(\theta\) is the angle from the positive x-axis.
Identify the given polar coordinates: \((3, 90^\circ)\). Here, \(r = 3\) and \(\theta = 90^\circ\).
Recognize that an angle of \(90^\circ\) corresponds to the positive y-axis in the polar coordinate system.
Plot the point by moving 3 units from the origin along the line that makes a \(90^\circ\) angle with the positive x-axis.
Mark the point on the polar coordinate system at the intersection of the circle with radius 3 and the line at \(90^\circ\).
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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 two-dimensional space using a distance from a reference point (the pole) and an angle from a reference direction (usually the positive x-axis). The format is (r, θ), where 'r' is the radial distance and 'θ' is the angle in degrees or radians. This system is particularly useful for circular or rotational patterns.
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Plotting Points in Polar Coordinates
To plot a point given in polar coordinates, first identify the radial distance 'r' and the angle 'θ'. The angle is measured counterclockwise from the positive x-axis. For example, the point (3, 90°) means to move 3 units away from the origin at an angle of 90°, which points directly upward along the y-axis.
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Convert Points from Polar to Rectangular
Conversion Between Polar and Cartesian Coordinates
Understanding how to convert between polar and Cartesian coordinates is essential. The conversion formulas are x = r * cos(θ) and y = r * sin(θ). This allows for a comprehensive understanding of the point's location in both coordinate systems, facilitating easier plotting and analysis.
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Intro to Polar Coordinates
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