Converting a Shifted Circle into Polar Coordinates

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around converting the equation of a shifted circle, represented in Cartesian coordinates, into polar coordinates. The original equation is given as (x-h)² + (y-k)² = h² + k², where h and k are positive constants.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the transformation of Cartesian coordinates to polar coordinates, discussing the necessary parameters and the implications of the shifted origin due to the constants h and k. Some participants question the need for additional parameters when transitioning between coordinate systems.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the transformations required for the shifted circle. Some participants express uncertainty about the necessity of certain parameters and whether the transformation is straightforward. Guidance has been offered regarding the basic transformations, but there is no explicit consensus on the best approach to handle the shifted nature of the circle.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the constants h and k affect the transformation process and that the problem may involve complexities if applied to more advanced mechanics scenarios. There is an acknowledgment of potential confusion regarding the number of parameters needed for a complete description in polar coordinates.

Tarhead
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How do I express this in polar coordinates?

(x-h)^2+(y-k)^2= h^2+k^2

It is a circle with k and h greater than 0.
 
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go to:

http://mathworld.wolfram.com/PolarCoordinates.html

I think the transforms would be

x--> rcos theta
y--> r sin theta
h --> R cos theta'
k --> R sin theta'

4 prameters to describe the points on a shifted circle (shifted orgin because of the k and h terms) in either cartesian or polar coordinates

Not sure, but I think.
 
In two dimensions, the transformations are:

x = r\cos \theta, \qquad y = r\sin \theta

That's all you need.
 
Yeah this makes sense. Sorry for my mistake. You'll only need two variables to plot a 1-d object in a 2d space.

You would need four parameters to specify a shifted circle in either coordinate system. (The k and h parameters will propagate through your transformation.) You could transform this shift into polar coordinates as well (and you would have to if this was a complicated mechanics problem) but you don't even need to bother with this because it is given as a constant.

Hope I didn't mess you up. Sorry again.
 

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