Given points (r1, θ1) and (r2, θ2) in polar coordinates, obtain a general formula for the distance between them. Simplify it as much as possible using the identity cos2 θ + sin2 θ = 1. Hint: Write the expressions for the two points in Cartesian coordinates and substitute into the usual distance formula. (Use any variable or symbol stated above as necessary.)

Trigonometry (MindTap Course List)
8th Edition
ISBN:9781305652224
Author:Charles P. McKeague, Mark D. Turner
Publisher:Charles P. McKeague, Mark D. Turner
Chapter8: Complex Numbers And Polarcoordinates
Section8.6: Equations In Polar Coordinates And Their Graphs
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Given points (r1, θ1) and (r2, θ2) in polar coordinates, obtain a general formula for the distance between them. Simplify it as much as possible using the identity cos2 θ + sin2 θ = 1. Hint: Write the expressions for the two points in Cartesian coordinates and substitute into the usual distance formula. (Use any variable or symbol stated above as necessary.)

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