How do you convert r^(2)=cos(θ) to rectangular form?

1 Answer
May 28, 2016

x^6+3x^4y^2+3x^2y^4+y^6-x^2=0, x>=0.

Explanation:

r^2=cos theta>=0 and <=1.

So, theta is in the 1st quadrant or in the 4th, and

therefore, x>=0 and <=1..

(r cos theta, r sin theta )=(x, y). r=sqrt(x^2+y^2) and cos theta=x/r.

So, r^2=x^2+y^2=x/sqrt(x^2+y^2). Rationalizing,

(x^2+y^2)^3=x^6+3x^4y^2+3x^2y^4+y^6=x^2, x>=0 and <=1.

The graph passes through (0, 0) and (1, 0). It is like an oval that is

symmetrical about the x-axis