Changing rectangular to cylindrical

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SUMMARY

The conversion of the rectangular coordinates (-3, 3, 3) to cylindrical coordinates involves calculating the radial distance, angle, and height. The radial distance is determined using the formula r = sqrt(x^2 + y^2), resulting in r = 3√2. The angle θ is calculated using tan(θ) = y/x, yielding θ = 7π/4. However, since the point lies in the second quadrant, the correct angle is 3π/4. Therefore, the cylindrical coordinates are (3√2, 3π/4, 3).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of rectangular and cylindrical coordinate systems
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions and their applications
  • Knowledge of the Pythagorean theorem for distance calculations
  • Ability to interpret angles in different quadrants
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the conversion formulas between rectangular and cylindrical coordinates
  • Learn about the significance of angle quadrants in trigonometry
  • Explore the use of polar coordinates in higher dimensions
  • Practice problems involving the conversion of coordinates in various contexts
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus, geometry enthusiasts, and anyone looking to master coordinate transformations in mathematics.

eurekameh
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Change (-3,3,3) to cylindrical coordinates.
I'm doing r^2 = x^2 + y^2, which I find r = sqrt(18) = 3radical(2)
tan(theta) = 3/-3 = 1, so theta = -pi/4 = 7pi/4.
z = 3
Cylindrical coordinates are (3sqrt(2),7pi/4,3).
Is this right? Correct answer to the homework says 3pi/4 for the angle, for some reason.
 
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eurekameh said:
Change (-3,3,3) to cylindrical coordinates.
I'm doing r^2 = x^2 + y^2, which I find r = sqrt(18) = 3radical(2)
tan(theta) = 3/-3 = 1, so theta = -pi/4 = 7pi/4.
The angle θ is in the 2nd quadrant, so 3[itex]\pi[/itex]/4 is correct.
eurekameh said:
z = 3
Cylindrical coordinates are (3sqrt(2),7pi/4,3).
Is this right? Correct answer to the homework says 3pi/4 for the angle, for some reason.

In the future, when you post a question, use the three-part template.
 

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