Knowledge Base

Solution 10438: Performing Polar to Rectangular and Rectangular to Polar Conversions on the TI-85 and TI-86.

How do I perform polar to rectangular and rectangular to polar conversions using the TI-85 and TI-86?

The examples below demonstrate how to perform polar to rectangular and rectangular to polar coordinate conversions using the TI-85 and TI-86.

To convert from polar to rectangular:

Please Note: The angle mode is set to "Degree".

1) Input (3,4) 
2) Press [2nd] [CPLX]
3) Press [MORE] [F2] [ENTER]

The screen will show (5<53.1301023542) as the solution. The < symbol denotes the "angle" symbol on the calculator.

To convert from rectangular to polar:

1) Input (5<53.13).

Please Note: To access the < (angle) symbol, press [2nd] [,].

2) Press [2nd] [CPLX]
3) Press [MORE] [F1] [ENTER]

The screen will show (3.000..., 3.999...) as the solution, which is approximately (3,4).

Please see the TI-85 and TI-86 guidebooks for additional information.