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PC Polar Coordinates

The document discusses polar coordinates, which specify points in a plane using a directed distance (r) from a pole and a directed angle (θ) measured counter-clockwise from the polar axis. Points in polar coordinates are not uniquely defined, as the same location can be represented by multiple (r, θ) pairs. The document also covers converting between rectangular and polar coordinates using trigonometric functions, functions that define curves in polar coordinates, and converting between polar and rectangular equations.

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Hector R.
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163 views7 pages

PC Polar Coordinates

The document discusses polar coordinates, which specify points in a plane using a directed distance (r) from a pole and a directed angle (θ) measured counter-clockwise from the polar axis. Points in polar coordinates are not uniquely defined, as the same location can be represented by multiple (r, θ) pairs. The document also covers converting between rectangular and polar coordinates using trigonometric functions, functions that define curves in polar coordinates, and converting between polar and rectangular equations.

Uploaded by

Hector R.
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPS, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Polar

Coordinates

MATH PROJECT
POLAR COORDINATES
The polar coordinate system is another way to
specify points in a plane. Points are specified by
the directed distance, r, form the pole and the
directed angle, θ, measures counter-clockwise
from the polar axis. The pole has coordinates
(0, θ).
UNIQUESNESS OF POLAR
COORDINATES
In polar coordinates, ordered pairs of points are
NOT unique; that is, there are many “names” to
describe the same physical location.
The point (r, θ) can also be represented by
(r, θ + 2kπ) and (− r, θ + [2k + 1]π).
CONVERTING BETWEEN
RECTANGULAR AND POLAR
COORDINATES
• Polar coordinates to
rectangular
coordinates
x = r cos θ ; y = r sin θ

• Rectangular
coordinates to polar
coordinates
y
r = x + y ; tan θ =
2 2 2

x
FUNCTIONS IN POLAR
COORDINATES

A function in polar coordinates has the form


r = f (θ).

Some examples:
r = 4cos θ
r=3
r = −3sec θ
POLAR EQUATIONS TO
RECTANGULAR EQUATIONS
NOTE : r = x + y2 2

To convert polar equations into rectangular


equations use:
x y
cos θ = ; sin θ = ; r =x +y
2 2 2

x +y
2 2
x +y
2 2
RECTANGULAR EQUATIONS TO
POLAR EQUATIONS
NOTE : r = x + y2 2

To convert rectangular equations to polar


equations use:
x = r cos θ r =x +y
2 2 2

y
y = r sin θ tan θ =
x

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