9.5 Polar Coordinates
There is another coordinate system other than the rectangular system, called the polar coordinate system.
In rectangular coordinates, each point (x, y) has a unique representation. This is not true for polar coordinates.
(r, θ) and (r, θ + 2π)
represents the same point. Another way to obtain multiple representations is to use negative values for r. Because r is a directed distance the coordinates
(r, θ) and (-r, θ + π)
represents the same point.
(r, θ) and (r, θ + 2π)
represents the same point. Another way to obtain multiple representations is to use negative values for r. Because r is a directed distance the coordinates
(r, θ) and (-r, θ + π)
represents the same point.
Plotting Points in the Polar Coordinate System
Coordinate Conversionx = rcosθ
y = rsinθ
tanθ = y/x
r² = x² + y²
y = rsinθ
tanθ = y/x
r² = x² + y²
Polar to Rectangular Conversion
Rectangular to Polar Conversion
Equation Conversion