Convert Rectangular to Polar: Solving for $\theta$

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    Polar Rectangular
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around converting the rectangular equation \(y=3x\) to polar coordinates, specifically focusing on solving for the angle \(\theta\). Participants explore the challenges of plotting the resulting polar equations using the Desmos graphing tool.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose the conversion of the equation \(y=3x\) to polar form, resulting in the equation \(r\sin(\theta)=3r\cos(\theta)\).
  • One participant simplifies the equation to \(\tan(\theta)=3\) and suggests that \(\theta=\arctan(3)\) as a solution.
  • Another participant notes that Desmos can plot the equation \(r=-2-3\sin(\theta)\), although they express frustration with the limitations of the tool regarding inputting \(\theta\).
  • There is a discussion about how to input \(\theta\) in Desmos, with one participant sharing a method to copy and paste the \(\theta\) character from LaTeX.
  • Some participants express difficulties using Desmos on mobile devices, particularly with the keyboard and interface issues.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the conversion process and the resulting equations, but there are differing experiences and opinions regarding the usability of Desmos for plotting these equations.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the challenges faced by participants in using Desmos on mobile devices, as well as the inability to plot \(\theta\) as a function directly within the tool.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in polar coordinates, graphing tools, and those facing similar challenges with mathematical plotting software may find this discussion relevant.

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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