How do you convert (3,1) into polar coordinates?

1 Answer
Mar 22, 2018

Cartesian form: (x,y)=(3,1)
xxxxxPolar form: (r,θ)=(2,240)

Explanation:

The ratio of side lengths implies the common angle 60 (or π3 if you prefer radians) as the reference angle.

The terminal point (since both coordinates are negative) falls in Quadrant III, so the angle is 180+60=240.

The radius (distance from the origin is given by the Pythagorean Theorem as (1)2+(3)2=2
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