The Math Meridian
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Polar coordinates

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Useful for: AP® Precalculus IB Math AA HL

Learn it A point (r, θ) in polar form is r units from the origin at angle θ. To convert: x = r cos θ, y = r sin θ; back again: r = √(x² + y²), tan θ = y/x (check the quadrant).

Example: Convert (4, 150°) to rectangular form.

  1. x = 4 cos 150° = −2√3 ≈ −3.46.
  2. y = 4 sin 150° = 2. (−3.46, 2).

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