Y = r sin(θ)

Definition

The equation y = r sin(θ) represents the y-coordinate in polar coordinates, where 'r' is the radial distance from the origin and 'θ' (theta) is the angle measured from the positive x-axis. This relationship is crucial for converting between Cartesian and polar coordinate systems, particularly when evaluating double integrals in polar form. Understanding this conversion helps to simplify integration over regions that are more naturally described in polar coordinates, such as circles and sectors.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In polar coordinates, the conversion from Cartesian coordinates to polar is given by: x = r cos(θ) and y = r sin(θ).
2. When evaluating double integrals in polar form, the area element dA becomes r dr dθ, which includes the Jacobian factor due to the change of variables.
3. Regions like circles or sectors can be described more easily in polar coordinates, making calculations simpler compared to Cartesian coordinates.
4. The integral limits for θ typically range from 0 to 2π for full rotations around the origin.
5. Using y = r sin(θ) helps visualize how points in polar coordinates correspond to their Cartesian counterparts, reinforcing geometric interpretations during integration.

Review Questions

• How does the equation y = r sin(θ) help in understanding the relationship between Cartesian and polar coordinates?
  • The equation y = r sin(θ) illustrates how the y-coordinate in polar coordinates can be derived from its radial distance and angle. This connection allows us to visualize points in both coordinate systems, making it easier to switch between them. By using this relationship, one can see how integrating over a circular region can simplify calculations when expressed in polar coordinates.
• What role does y = r sin(θ) play when transforming double integrals from Cartesian to polar form?
  • When transforming double integrals from Cartesian to polar form, y = r sin(θ) is essential for determining how to express the function being integrated in terms of 'r' and 'θ'. The transformation also includes changing the area element to r dr dθ, ensuring that the integral accurately reflects the geometry of the region being evaluated. This makes it easier to compute integrals over circular or sector-shaped areas where traditional Cartesian methods may be cumbersome.
• Evaluate the double integral of a function over a circular region using the relationship y = r sin(θ) and explain the significance of each step.
  • To evaluate a double integral over a circular region using y = r sin(θ), first define the limits for 'r' (from 0 to R, where R is the radius) and for θ (from 0 to 2π). The function must then be expressed in terms of r and θ using y = r sin(θ). The integral is set up as ∫∫ f(r cos(θ), r sin(θ)) r dr dθ. Each step demonstrates how this conversion simplifies integration over circular areas by leveraging polar coordinates, providing an efficient method to calculate areas and volumes involving circular symmetries.

Related terms

Polar Coordinates: A two-dimensional coordinate system where each point is determined by a distance from a reference point and an angle from a reference direction.

Double Integrals: An extension of single integrals that allows for the integration of functions of two variables over a two-dimensional region.

Jacobian Determinant:

A factor used in changing variables in multiple integrals, accounting for the distortion of area when transforming between coordinate systems.