Confusion about variables in polar coordinates

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The discussion centers on the confusion regarding the equation of a radial line in polar coordinates. The original question raises uncertainty about whether the angle θ should be referred to as itself or a different variable, like α. A participant clarifies that the equation for a radial line is simply θ = constant, analogous to a horizontal line in Cartesian coordinates. This highlights the distinction between the angle of the radial line and the angle used in the context of the problem. Overall, the conversation seeks clarity on the terminology and concepts in polar coordinates.
sdfsfasdfasf
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Homework Statement
x
Relevant Equations
x
1716208764644.png

My confusion refers to this question above.

If I were to ask you, what is the equation of the radial line, what would you say? I know that the general equation the radial line with cartesian gradient of m has an equation of θ = arctan(m). Clearly here the angle between the radial line and initial line is θ, therefore the equation is θ = θ? That can't be right, do we call the angle θ a different name, like α? Then we'd have θ = α, which seems better. How does this get around the problem?
Things like this don't really confuse me usually, can someone help me out here? Is it bad writing from the author?

Thank you for reading
 
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sdfsfasdfasf said:
Homework Statement: x
Relevant Equations: x

If I were to ask you, what is the equation of the radial line, what would you say?
I'd say, θ = const.
 
Just to add: This is the polar coordinate equivalent of writing the equation for a line parallel to the x-axis in Cartesian coordinates, which is just ##y =## constant.
 

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