Coordinate (1,-2), angle of intersection thru origin?

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SUMMARY

The discussion revolves around calculating the angle of intersection from the point (1,-2) to the origin (0,0) in a Cartesian coordinate system. The user initially struggles with this geometry problem but resolves it by visualizing a right triangle formed by the axes. The angle can be determined using trigonometric functions, specifically the arctangent function, which relates the opposite and adjacent sides of the triangle.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Cartesian coordinates
  • Basic knowledge of trigonometry, specifically the tangent function
  • Familiarity with right triangle properties
  • Ability to visualize geometric relationships in a 2D plane
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to use the arctangent function in various programming languages
  • Explore the properties of right triangles in trigonometry
  • Study the concept of electric fields and point charges in physics
  • Investigate coordinate geometry applications in real-world problems
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics or mathematics, educators teaching geometry and trigonometry, and anyone interested in applying mathematical concepts to solve problems involving electric fields and coordinates.

bchandler
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I'm trying to do a simple electric field due to point charges problem, but I'm stuck on a very simple detail. There are a number of point charges on an xy plane, and one of the point charges is at the cooridinate (1,-2). I need to figure out which angle a line drawn from this point to the origin would make with the x-axis to do the problem, but can't figure it out! I'm sure as soon as someone tells me the answer I'll remember how to find it; it's just a simple geometry problem!

Can anyone help? I can do the rest of the problem, its just this one snag that has me held up.
 
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Nevermind, I figured it out. I just set up a triangle along the axes to figure out the angle and the distance. Should have thought about this one more... Feel free to delete mods...
 

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