Polar Coordinates
Definition
Polar coordinates are a two-dimensional coordinate system used to locate points in space using radial distance (r) and angular displacement (θ) from a reference point called the pole.
Analogy
Imagine you're playing darts, and instead of aiming directly at the bullseye, you have to specify how far away from it you are and at what angle. That's similar to how polar coordinates work!
Related terms
Cartesian Coordinates: This term refers to the standard rectangular coordinate system where points are located using x and y coordinates.
Parametric Equations: These equations express variables x and y separately as functions of another variable, often denoted by t.
Polar Form Complex Numbers: In this form, complex numbers are expressed using their magnitude (r) and argument (θ).
"Polar Coordinates" appears in:
Subjects (1)
Study guides (3)
Additional resources (4)
Practice Questions (3)
- Given the polar equation r=2θ, determine the polar coordinates of the point where the tangent line is horizontal.
- What can be calculated using polar coordinates?
- Given the polar equation r=3+2sin(θ), what are the polar coordinates of the point where r is at its maximum value?
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