How do you graph the point L(3,-pi/6)?

1 Answer
Jan 20, 2018

This is equivalent to plotting the rectangular point (3sqrt(3),-3).

Explanation:

We want to graph the polar point (3,-pi/6).

First consider the angle, -pi/6. Rotate the angle, which has you at the origin facing -pi/6, which is coterminal with (11pi)/6. You're facing into QIV.

Now move 3 units out from the origin. That's the point.

You can also convert to rectangular coordinates using x=rcos(theta) and y=rsin(theta) to convert:

x=6cos(-(pi)/6)=6(sqrt(3)/2)=3sqrt(3)
x=6sin(-(pi)/6)=6(-(1)/2)=-3,

So the rectangular point is (3sqrt(3),-3)