Polar equations are a way of describing shapes using angles and distances from a central point, kind of like a cosmic map. Converting a rectangular equation (with x and y variables) to polar form (with r, the distance from the center, and theta, the angle) can be a fun challenge.
To convert an equation from Cartesian (rectangular) coordinates to polar coordinates:
- Use the relationships: x = r \cos(\theta) and y = r \sin(\theta) .
- Substitute: Replace x and y in your Cartesian equation with these expressions.
- Simplify: Combine terms where possible to form a single equation in terms of r and \theta .