How do I convert cartesian coordinates into polar coordinates?

Polar coordinates are expressed in the form (r,θ), where r is the distance of the point, P, from the origin, and θ (usually expressed in radians) is the angle between the line joining the point to the origin, and the positive x-axis (moving anti-clockwise from the x-axis). r can be seen as the hypotenuse of a right-angled triangle, where the base of the triangle has a length equal to the value of the x-coordinate of P, and the height of the triangle a length equal to the value of the y-coordinate of P. Therefore r can be calculated using Pythagoras' Theorem (r=(x^2+y^2)^1/2). θ can also be calculated using this right-angled triangle, since tanθ will be equal to y/x for a point in the top right quadrant (for a point in the top-left quadrant or bottom-left quadrant this value will need to be subtracted from pi, and in the case of the bottom-left quadrant made negative since the smallest angle will be going clockwise from the x-axis, and for a point in the bottom-right quadrant this value of θ will also be also made negative).

(Diagrams would be used throughout explanation)

GW
Answered by Gwen W. Further Mathematics tutor

3732 Views

See similar Further Mathematics A Level tutors

Related Further Mathematics A Level answers

All answers ▸

It is given that z = 3i(7-i)(i+1). Show that z can be written in the form 24i - k. State the integer k.


Solve the differential equations dx/dt=2x+y+1 and dy/dt=4x-y+1 given that when t=0 x=20 and y=60. (A2 Further pure)


Find the general solution to the differential equation d^2x/dt^2 + 5 dx/dt + 6x = 4 e^-t


How do you prove by induction?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning