Unit 7.5 Mathematical Functions and Converting Between Polar and Rectangular
Multiplication and Division in Polar
Multiplication and division is much easier in polar format than rectangular.
To multiply in polar format, multiply the magnitudes (r) and add the arguments (θ)
Multiplying in Polar Format
Multiply 5 ∠ 30° and 10 ∠ 15°
Multiply the magnitudes (r)
5 · 10 = 50
Add the arguments (θ)
30° + 15° = 45°
Combine
50 ∠ 45°
To multiply in polar format, divide the magnitudes (r) and subtract the arguments (θ)
Dividing in Polar Format
Divide 10 ∠ 50° by 2 ∠ 26°
Divide the magnitudes (r)
10 ÷ 2 = 5
Subtract the arguments (θ)
50° – 26° = 24°
Combine
5 ∠ 24°
Addition and Subtraction
Addition and subtraction is straight forward in rectangular format but much more difficult in polar format. It is recommended that you convert to rectangular format to add and subtract then convert back