How do you convert # r = 4/cos(theta)# into cartesian form?

1 Answer
A. S. Adikesavan
Jun 5, 2016

#x=4#.

Explanation:

If #cos theta# is not 0, #r cos theta= x =4#.

The polar equation represents line parallel to y-axis ( #theta = 0# ),

at a distance 4, above..

If r is restricted to be #>=0# ( here,# >=4# ), the whole line is traceable, in polar mode, for #theta in (0, pi/2) and theta in ((3pi)/2, 2pi)#. There are infinite discontinuities for r at #theta = pi/2 and theta=(3pi)/2#..

Interestingly, the half-lines traced this way are made in the same

direction #theta = 0#.

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