Key Term: r = f(θ)
Definition
Definition: In polar coordinates, r = f(θ) represents a relationship between the distance from the origin (r) and the angle (θ). It describes a curve in the polar plane.
Analogy
Analogy: Think of r as your distance from a central point, like how far you are standing from the center of a circular stage. As θ changes, it's like you're walking around the stage, and f(θ) determines how close or far you are at each angle.
Related terms
- Polar Coordinates: A system that uses an angle (θ) and a distance (r) to locate points in a plane.
- Polar Curve: A curve described by an equation in polar coordinates.
- Parametric Equations: Equations that express variables x and y separately as functions of another variable (usually t).
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