Question

Convert the equation to polar form. (Use variables r and as needed.) x2 − y2 = 12

Answer 1

In converting to polar coordinates, we take

x = r cos(t)

y = r sin(t)

Then in the given equation,

x² - y² = 12

(r cos(t))² - (r sin(t))² = 12

r² cos²(t) - r² sin²(t) = 12

r² (cos²(t) - sin²(t)) = 12

r² cos(2t) = 12

r² = 12 sec(2t)