Question

Select the correct answer. Convert x=4 to polar form.

Answer 1

`r = (4)/( \cos( \theta) ) = 4 \sec( \theta)`

Explanation:

we are given x = 4 and we want to convert that into polar form. first, recall that in polar form, we have

`x = r \cos( \theta)`

we can show this by considering a triangle with hypotenuse r and sides x and y. if x is the adjacent side, we have the relation between x and r above.

so, we have

`r \cos( \theta ) = 4`

next, divide both sides by cos(theta).

`r = (4)/( \cos( \theta) )`

this is our polar equation. we can further simplify to

`r = 4 \sec( \theta)`