Converting Polar to Cartesian - Step by Step Guide

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter chap
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    Cartesian Polar
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the conversion of polar coordinates to Cartesian coordinates, specifically focusing on the mathematical procedure involved. Participants share their experiences and seek clarification on this topic.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in converting polar coordinates to Cartesian coordinates and requests a step-by-step guide.
  • Another participant provides the conversion formulas: x = r cos(θ) and y = r sin(θ).
  • Subsequent replies indicate that some participants find the conversion process straightforward after the formulas are presented.
  • There is a light-hearted exchange about whether converting from polar to Cartesian is easier than the reverse process.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the conversion from polar to Cartesian is manageable, though there is no formal consensus on the relative difficulty of the two conversion processes.

chap
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I'm back studying after a couple of years out and have become a little rusty. currently learning about the J operator.

I have no problem converting Cartesian to Polar, but struggle to convert Polar to Cartesian. Some basic examples and a step by step guide would be appreciated.


Thank you in advance.
 
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Given [itex](r,\theta )[/itex] you can get [itex](x,y)[/itex] by the following procedure:

[itex]x=r\cos(\theta)[/itex]
[itex]y=r\sin(\theta)[/itex]
 
Simple now you've pointed it out.

Thanks, that helps a lot.
 
chap said:
Simple now you've pointed it out.

Thanks, that helps a lot.

Easier than cartesian to polar, huh?
 
I know, I was thinking the same thing. :smile:
 

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