Module 6: Polar Coordinates

OVERVIEW

Up to this point we’ve dealt exclusively with the Cartesian (or Rectangular,
or x-y) coordinate system. However, as we will see, this is not always the easiest
coordinate system to work in. So, in this section we will start looking at the polar
coordinate system. This module enables you to learn important topics regarding
Polar Coordinate system. Also, you will be enlightened on how to convert cartesian
points into polar coordinates and vice versa. You will also convert, cartesian
equation into polar equation and vice versa. At the end of this module, you are
tasked to answer given problems.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of this module, you are expected to:

1. Define the different key terms correctly

2. Convert polar equation to rectangular equations or vice versa

LET US EXPLORE

Definition: Polar coordinates is the distance of the point from the origin and the
amount we needed to rotate from the positive x−axis as the coordinates of the point.
This is shown in the sketch below:

Math 5 - Trigonometry 1
Module 6: Polar Coordinates
The above discussion may lead one to think that r must be a positive number.
However, we also allow r to be negative. Below is a sketch of the two
π π
points (2 , )∧(−2 , ).
6 6

From this sketch we can see that if r is positive the point will be in the same
quadrant as θ . On the other hand if r is negative the point will end up in the quadrant
π
exactly opposite θ . Notice as well that the coordinates (−2 , ) describe the same
6
7π 7π
point as the coordinates (−2 , ) do. The coordinates (−2 , ) tells us to rotate an
6 6
7π
angle of from the positive x−axis , this would put us on the dashed line in the
6
sketch above, and then move out a distance of 2.

This leads to an important difference between Cartesian coordinates and

polar coordinates. In Cartesian coordinates there is exactly one set of coordinates for
any given points. With polar coordinates this isn’t true. In polar coordinates, there is
literally an infinite number of coordinates for a given point. For instance, the following
four points are all coordinates for the same point.

(5 , π3 )=( 5 , 53π )=(−5 , 43π )=(−5 , 23π )

Here is a sketch of the angles used in these four sets of coordinates.

Math 5 - Trigonometry 2
Module 6: Polar Coordinates

Converting Polar to Cartesian Coordinates

Formula:

x=r cos θ y =r sin θ

Converting Cartesian to Polar Coordinates

Formula:

r 2=x 2 + y 2 r=√ x 2+ y 2

θ=tan −1 ( yx )
Note: You must be familiar with the following formula to convert Cartesian coordinates to
Polar and vice versa.

2π
Example 1: Convert (−4 , ) in to Cartesian Coordinates.
3

Solution:

Step 1: Use the formula.

Note: (r , θ)

x=r cos θ y =r sin θ

Step 2: Substitute the values.

x=r cos θ y =r sin θ

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Module 6: Polar Coordinates
x=−4 cos ( 23π ) y=−4 sin ( 23π )
Step 3: Evaluate the trigonometric functions.

x=−4 ( −12 ) y=−4 ( √23 )

x=2 y=−2 √ 3

Step 4: Identify the coordinates.

So, in Cartesian coordinates the given point is (2 ,−2 √ 3)

Note: If the given is an equation, and you are tasked to convert it into Cartesian
Coordinates. Do the following:

Example 2: Convert r =−8 cos θ into Cartesian coordinate.

Solution: In this case, we are about to convert Polar coordinate into Cartesian coordinate

Step 1: Multiply both sides by r to get r 2 .

( r ) r=−8 cos θ(r )

2
r =−8 r cos θ

Step 2: Rewrite r 2 and r cos θ with reference to the formula given above.

2 2
x + y =−8 x

Step 3: Use addition property of equality.

2 2
x + y + ( 8 x ) =−8 x+(8 x)
2 2
x + 8 x+ y =0

Step 4: Complete the Square.

2 2
x + 8 x+ y =0

()
2 2
2 8 2 8
x + 8 x+ + y =0+( )
2 2
2 2
x + 8 x+16 + y =16

Step 5: Factor x 2−8 x +16.

2 2
( x +4 ) + y =16

Example 3: Convert (−1 ,−1) to polar coordinates.

Math 5 - Trigonometry 4
Module 6: Polar Coordinates

Solution:

Step 1: You must get the value of r by using the above formula. So we,

r =√ x 2 + y 2

r =√ (−1)2+(−1)2

r =√ 1+1

π
r =√ 2∨
4

Note: Please refer to your unit circle.

Step 2: This time, let’s get the value of θ using the formula above.

θ=tan −1 ( yx )
θ=tan−1 (−1
−1 )

−1 π
θ=tan ( 1 )=
4
- Use a calculator.

Step 3: Above is not yet the correct angle. Therefore, we must add ( pi(π ) to get the actual
angle.

π
θ= +π
4

π+4 π 5 π
θ= =
4 4

Hence, point (−1 ,−1) in polar coordinate is (√ 2 , 54π ).

Example 4: Convert 2 x−5 x3 =1+ xy to polar coordinates.

Solution:

Step 1: Substitute the values of x and y with reference to the formula given.

2 r cos θ−5¿ ¿

Step 2: Simplify.
2 3 2
2 r cos θ−5r cos θ=1+r ¿

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Module 6: Polar Coordinates

Please watch the video below to fully understand the concept of Polar Coordinate

https://youtu.be/jwLUapqnwkk

Activity 1.1

Directions: Convert the following. (3 points each).

1. (−3 , 0) to Polar coordinates.

2. (2 , 32π ) to Cartesian coordinates.

3. ( −2√ 3 , 12 ) to Polar coordinates.

4. (1 , 56π ) to Cartesian coordinates.

4
5. Find the Cartesian equivalent for the polar equation r = .
2 cos θ−sin θ

LET US WRAP UP

Activity 1.2

Directions: Make a reaction paper about the relevance of the video cited above to the topic
discussed. (20 points)

LET US ASSESS

Directions: Convert the following. Show your neat and complete solutions. (5 points each).

A.

1. (2 ,−2) to polar coordinates.

3π
2. (5 , ) to Cartesian coordinates.
2

3. ( x−3)2 +( y−2)2 =13 to Polar equation.

4. 3 x−2 y=11 to Polar equation.

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Module 6: Polar Coordinates
5. r 2−2r cos θ=0 to Cartesian equation.

B. Performance Task

Directions: Make a Reflection Paper regarding on how you dealt Trigonometry. How did you
persevere to finish the subject and how will it relate to your daily life as a student.

REFERENCES

Retrieved from https://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/classes/calcii/polarcoordinates.aspx.

Retrieved on December 14, 2021.

YouTube Video

https://youtu.be/jwLUapqnwkk

RESLIE JAMES R. MANLAVI

Instructor

Math 5 - Trigonometry 7