Convert Rectangular to Polar: Solving for $\theta$

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on converting the equation \(y = 3x\) from rectangular to polar coordinates. The conversion leads to the equation \(r\sin(\theta) = 3r\cos(\theta)\), simplifying to \(\tan(\theta) = 3\), resulting in \(\theta = \arctan(3)\). Users express challenges with plotting polar graphs in Desmos, particularly the inability to input \(\theta\) directly and issues with mobile device usability. Despite these challenges, the equation \(r = -2 - 3\sin(\theta)\) can be plotted in Desmos using a workaround.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of polar coordinates and their conversion from rectangular coordinates
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions, specifically tangent and arctangent
  • Basic knowledge of graphing tools, particularly Desmos
  • Experience with LaTeX for typesetting mathematical expressions
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to plot polar equations in Desmos effectively
  • Study the properties of polar coordinates and their applications in mathematics
  • Explore advanced graphing techniques using LaTeX for mathematical expressions
  • Investigate the limitations of mobile graphing applications compared to desktop versions
USEFUL FOR

Students, educators, and mathematicians interested in converting between coordinate systems, as well as users of graphing tools like Desmos who seek to enhance their plotting capabilities.

karush
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Covert to polar
$$y=3 x$$
I got... But it didn't plot on desmos... Can't show polar graph here?
$$r\sin\left({\theta}\right)=3r\cos\left({\theta}\right)$$
 
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karush said:
Covert to polar
$$y=3 x$$
I got... But it didn't plot on desmos... Can't show polar graph here?
$$r\sin\left({\theta}\right)=3r\cos\left({\theta}\right)$$

Simplifying further:
$$\sin(\theta)=3 \cos(\theta) \quad \implies \quad \tan(\theta)=3\quad\implies\quad \theta=\arctan(3).$$
Alas, it appears that Desmos cannot plot $\theta$ as a function of anything, yet.
 
OK, however desmos does plot

$$r=-2-3\sin\left({\theta}\right)$$

Although there is no way to put in $\theta$ on the drop down here
 
Hmm, let's see:

[desmos="-10,10,-10,10"]r=-2-3 sin(θ)[/desmos]

If you show the keyboard, then click the ABC on the lower left, you'll see a $\theta$ key. Interestingly, because I just typeset $\theta$ using the $\LaTeX$ code
Code:
$\theta$
I can copy that $\theta$ character and paste it into Desmos, and it understands it.
 
I tried but the keyboard would not appear hiting the icon off the interactive tab.

It may be because I am using a android tablet, I have a lot of problems with the finger zoom also, the taptalk ad enlarges so much that's all you can see
 
karush said:
I tried but the keyboard would not appear hiting the icon off the interactive tab.

It may be because I am using a android tablet, I have a lot of problems with the finger zoom also, the taptalk ad enlarges so much that's all you can see

Yeah, you're probably better off on a laptop or desktop. Still, we'd like our Tapatalk version to work ok, if possible.
 

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