How do you convert #(0, −4) # into polar form?

1 Answer
Oct 26, 2016

The polar coordinates are #(4,(3pi)/2)#

Explanation:

Use the definition
#x=rcostheta#
#y=rsintheta#
#x^2+y^2=r^2#

#tantheta=y/x#

where #(x,y)#are the cartesian coordinates
and #(r,theta)#are the polar coordinates
Here we have #tantheta=-4/0=-oo#
So #theta=(3pi)/2#
and #r^2=0+16# #=># #r=4#
So the polar coordinates are #(4,(3pi)/2)#