What is the polar form of ( -27,15 )?

1 Answer
Jan 23, 2016

( sqrt954 , 2.63 )

Explanation:

Use the following formulae that links Cartesian to Polar coordinates.

• r^2 = x^2 + y^2

• theta = tan^-1 (y/x)

Here x = - 27 and y = 15 .[ Note also that (-27 , 15 ) is a point in

the 2nd quadrant and so care must be taken to ensure theta

is in the 2nd quadrant.]

r^2 = (-27)^2 + (15)^2 = 729 + 225 = 954

rArr r = sqrt954

theta = tan^-1 (15/-27) =- 0.51 color(black)("radians")

To find theta color(black)(" in the 2nd quadrant")

theta = ( pi - 0.51 ) =2.63 color(black)(" radians")

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