Polar to Cartesian

Convert polar coordinates (r, θ) to rectangular coordinates (x, y).

r =θ =°

Polar to Cartesian conversion

x = r·cos(θ), y = r·sin(θ)

Example

(r, θ) = (5, 53.13°): x = 5·cos(53.13°) ≈ 3, y = 5·sin(53.13°) ≈ 4 → (3, 4).

When to use

Polar coordinates are natural for circular/rotational problems. Cartesian is better for linear equations and standard graphing.

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