Coordinate System Homework: Find Distance and Polar Coords

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving a bug's position in a two-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system, specifically determining its distance from the origin and converting its coordinates to polar form.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between Cartesian and polar coordinates, questioning whether the two questions are essentially the same. There is mention of using the Pythagorean theorem to find the distance.

Discussion Status

Participants are engaging in clarifying the concepts of distance and polar coordinates, with some expressing confusion about the relationship between the two questions. Guidance has been offered regarding the nature of polar coordinates, highlighting the distinction between radius and angle.

Contextual Notes

There is an underlying assumption that the participants are working within the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the information they can use or the methods they can apply.

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Homework Statement


A bug is on one wall of a room. The lower left-hand corner of the wall is selected as the origin of a two-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system. The bug is located at the point having coordinates (1.8, .8) m

How far is it from the corner of the room?
What is it's location in polar coordinates?
r=?
theta=?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Aren't these two question asking for the same thing? I need to use the pythagorean theorem right?

Thank you very much
 
Last edited:
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The radius in the polar system is the distance - it also has a direction
 
Thank you very much

That makes sense, but aren't these two questions asking for the same thing?

Thank you
 
Last edited:
No, polar coordinates have both an angle and radius from origin.
 
Thank you very much

Regards
 

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