Question

Convert the rectangular equation to polar form. Assume a>0. x^2+y^2 = 4a^2

Answer 1

use r^2=x^2 + y^2
tan(theta) = y/x
notice there's no more x's and y's to replace after replacing that left side with r^2.

Answer 2

Thank you, I guess the part I don't really understand is what to do with the "a" on the right side. So with r^2 = 4a^2.

Answer 3

well your equation can be r = 2a. this is a circle with radius 2a in polar form...

Answer 4

Alright, so if I had an equation such as y=2a, I could take the y=r sin().
So it would be r sin() =2a. But is that in polar form, or do I have to do something else?

Answer 5

just change \(x = r \cos \theta \) and \( y = r \sin \theta \)

Answer 6

and simplify it!!