Education Technology

Solution 12283: Converting from Rectangular to Polar Coordinates Using the TI-34 II Explorer Plus.

How do I convert rectangular coordinates to polar coordinates using the TI-34 II Explorer Plus?

To convert rectangular coordinates to polar coordinates using the TI-34 II Explorer Plus, please follow the example listed below:

Convert the rectangular coordinate (4,3) to polar form (r, q).

To find r or magnitude:

1) Press [2nd][←F].
2) Using the left and right arrow keys, underline DEG (for Degree mode).
3) Press [ENTER].
4) Press [2nd] [° ' "](key directly above the [DATA] key) to select R↔P. 
5) Using the left and right arrow keys, underline R←Pr
6) Press [ENTER] to paste R←Pr( on the screen.
7) Input the x-value of the rectangular coordinate, which is 4.
8) Press [2nd] [4] to insert a comma.
9) Input the y-value of the rectangular coordinate, which is 3.
10) Press [)] [ENTER] to display the results.

The displayed answer will show 5 which is the value of r or the magnitude.


To find the angle q:

1) Press [2nd] [° ' "] to select R↔P. 
2) Using the left and right arrow keys, underline R←Pq.
3) Press [ENTER] to paste R←Pq( on the screen.
4) Input the x-value of the rectangular coordinate, which is 4.
5) Press [2nd] [4] to insert a comma.
6) Input the y-value of the rectangular coordinate, which is 3.
7) Press [)] [ENTER] to display the results.

The displayed answer will show 36.86989765 which is the value of q or the angle.

Please see the TI-34 II Explorer Plus guidebook for additional information.