Equations for Cartesian and Polar Coordinate Conversions

Date: 05/06/2003 at 13:22:41
From: Todd
Subject: Trigonometry

Given the following points in polar coordinates, find the rectangular 
coordinates.            

(22, 51 degrees)

Date: 05/06/2003 at 16:54:42
From: Doctor Luis
Subject: Re: Trigonometry

Hi Todd,

You can switch between cartesian (also known as rectangular)
coordinates (x, y) and polar coordinates (r, theta) using the 
following formulas:

  x = r cos(theta)        r^2   = x^2 + y^2
  y = r sin(theta)        theta = arctan(y/x)

Here's a diagram showing the origin of these equations:

  

Let us know if you have any other questions.

- Doctor Luis, The Math Forum
  http://mathforum.org/dr.math/