How do you convert (−2,5) to polar form?

Paige Vasquez

Paige Vasquez

Open question

2022-08-30

How do you convert (−2,5) to polar form?

Answer & Explanation

Ben Reese

Ben Reese

Beginner2022-08-31Added 12 answers

( - 29 , tan - 1 ( - 5 2 ) )
Explanation:
To convert rectangular ( a , b ) to polar we use the two formulas:
r = a 2 + b 2 and θ ^ = tan 1 ( | b a | )
then we have to "fix" the quadrant for θ
r = ( - 2 ) 2 + 5 2 = 29
θ ^ = tan - 1 ( 5 2 )
the point ( - 2 , 5 ) is in QII, so θ = π - θ ^
therefore θ = π - tan - 1 ( 5 2 )
An alternate, but equivalent representation is ( - 29 , tan - 1 ( - 5 2 ) ) , which uses a QIV angle but a negative r to end up in QII.

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