Any Standard Notation for Multiple Coordinate Systems?

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Homework Help Overview

The original poster is inquiring about the notation used to refer to variables in different coordinate systems, specifically focusing on how to denote a variable known as x in another system. The context involves transformations between frames of reference rather than mathematical procedures or equations.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss various notational conventions, such as using prime symbols (e.g., x', x'') to differentiate between coordinate systems. Some question whether these notations conflict with established conventions. Others seek clarification on whether the inquiry pertains to dimensions or measurement units.

Discussion Status

The discussion is exploring different notational approaches, with some participants providing suggestions while others seek to clarify the original poster's intent. There is no explicit consensus, but guidance on using prime symbols has been offered.

Contextual Notes

The original poster specifies that their question does not involve different dimensions or measurement units, focusing instead on transformations between frames of reference. This constraint shapes the nature of the discussion.

dimensionless
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Homework Statement


Given variables in one coordinate system, give the notation used to refer to the variables in another system.

The known variable is [tex]x[/tex]

Homework Equations


The transformation is an arbitrary one. My question has to do with notation and not mathematical procedures. There, thus, are no relevant equations.


The Attempt at a Solution


In another coordinate system [tex]x[/tex] could be denoted as [tex]x'[/tex]. I'm not sure if there is a standard way to denote other coordinate systems though. I could write

[tex]x'^{b}[/tex] and [tex]x'^{c}[/tex],

or [tex]x'^{2}[/tex] and [tex]x'^{3}[/tex],

or [tex]x''[/tex] and [tex]x'''[/tex],

but I don't know if this conflicts with any established conventions.
 
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Are you asking about additional dimensions; or are you asking about different kinds of measurement units for these different coordinate systems?

Dimension is like length, length and a length at right angle to the first length; then another length at right angle to the first two kinds of length.

For the other description, do you know about polar and spherical coordinates?

Are those descriptions consistent with your intended question?
 
I am not asking about different dimensions. I am not asking about different kinds of measurement units either. My question mostly pertains to transformations from one frame of reference to another. I know about spherical and polar coordinates, but I don't know what you mean by "description."
 
You could certainly use a prime symbol to distinguish between the systems. Just don't confuse it with prime as in differentiation. Just look at statements of the chain rule for partial derivatives to familiarize yourself with conventions.
 

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