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Find polar coordinates of the point that has rectangular coordinates (-1, -2).

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Answer:

Explanation:

The length of the polar coordinates ray is found using the Pythagorean Theorem: ray length = √( (-1)^2 + (-2)^2 ) = √( 1 + 4) = √5

Because both the x- and the y-coordinates here are negative, the ray is in Quadrant III. Measuring the angle counterclockwise from 0°, we get

Ф = 180° + arctan 2/1, or Ф = 180° + 63.43°, or 243.43°

The desired polar coordinates are (2√2, 243.43°)

User Jody Bleyle
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