How do you convert the polar equation r=3sintheta into rectangular form?

1 Answer
Oct 5, 2016

x^2+(y-3/2)^2=9/4

Explanation:

x=rcos(theta)
y=rsin(theta)
r^2=x^2+y^2

Multiply the equation by r

r*r=3rsin(theta)

Simplify

r^2=3rsin(theta)

Make appropriate substitutions

x^2+y^2=3y

Gather all of the terms to the same side

x^2+y^2-3y=0

Complete square using the coefficient of y variable

(-3/2)^2=9/4

Add 9/4 to both sides the equation to keep it balanced. The constant 9/4 allows you make a perfect square trinomial.

x^2+y^2-3y+9/4=9/4

Rewrite

x^2+(y-3/2)^2=9/4

Check out a tutorial on converting an equation from polar to rectangular

Check out a tutorial on completing the square graphically

Check out a tutorial on completing the square analytically