Polar Coordinates Tutor Help
A one-page recap of conversions and the polar graph gallery, plus a way to ask a tutor for a worked explanation.
1 Quick recap
The essentials on one page before you ask for help.
Conversions + gallery
x = r cos θ, y = r sin θ, r² = x² + y²
r = a: circle · r = a ± a cos θ: cardioid · r = a cos(nθ): rose (n odd → n petals, n even → 2n)
r = a: circle · r = a ± a cos θ: cardioid · r = a cos(nθ): rose (n odd → n petals, n even → 2n)
Negative r goes opposite the angle’s ray. Plot with the angle first, then the signed distance.
Stuck? Check these first
- Negative r flips the direction: (−3, 90°) is (0, −3), not (0, 3).
- r is a hypotenuse: r = √(x² + y²), never x + y.
- Use atan2(y, x) for θ so the quadrant is right.
- Rose petals come from n: odd → n, even → 2n.
2 Ask a tutor
Tell us what you are stuck on. A tutor will follow up with a worked explanation.
3 Keep going
While you wait, review the lesson or drill practice problems.