What is the polar form of (-5,13)?

1 Answer
Jan 17, 2016

( sqrt194 , 1.94 )

Explanation:

Using the formulae that links Cartesian and Polar coordinates.

• x^2 + y^2 = r^2

• x = rcostheta

• y = rsintheta

• theta = tan^-1 (y/x )

r^2 = (-5)^2 + 13^2 = 194 rArr r = sqrt194

theta = tan^-1(13/-5) = - 1.2

(- 5 , 13 ) is in 2nd quadrant and so theta = pi - 1.2 = 1.94