Polar Coordinates
Definition
Polar coordinates are a two-dimensional coordinate system in which each point is determined by its distance from a fixed point (the pole) and its angle from a fixed direction (the polar axis).
Related terms
Polar Axis: The polar axis is the reference line in polar coordinates. It serves as the equivalent of the x-axis in Cartesian coordinates.
Pole: The pole is the fixed point used as a reference for measuring distances in polar coordinates. It corresponds to the origin in Cartesian coordinates.
Polar Angle: The polar angle represents the measure of rotation from the reference direction (polar axis) to reach a specific point. It determines where exactly on the circle or spiral that point lies.
"Polar Coordinates" appears in:
Subjects (1)
AP Calculus AB/BC
Additional resources (1)
AP Pre-Calculus - 3.3 Sine and Cosine Function Values
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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.