Coordinate system transformation

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on converting polar coordinates to Cartesian coordinates using the equation 2cos(θ)r + sin(θ)θ. The expected result is -(3y²)/[(x²+y²)+1]. Participants emphasize the importance of the three main coordinate transformation equations: y=rsin(θ), x=rcos(θ), and r=sqrt(x²+y²). The transformation involves substituting the unit vectors \hat{r} and \hat{θ} with their Cartesian equivalents, leading to a final expression in terms of x and y.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of polar and Cartesian coordinate systems
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions and identities
  • Knowledge of vector notation and unit vectors
  • Basic algebra for manipulating equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of polar to Cartesian coordinate transformations
  • Learn about vector calculus and its applications in coordinate transformations
  • Explore advanced trigonometric identities and their uses in coordinate conversions
  • Investigate applications of coordinate transformations in physics and engineering
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Mathematicians, physicists, engineers, and researchers involved in coordinate transformations and vector analysis will benefit from this discussion.

hjel0743
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Can someone help me with the conversion of this equation to Cartesian coordinates:

2cosθr + sinθθ

(Due to formatting limitations, I just made the r_hat and theta_hat components bold-faced)

I know the answer ought to be -(3y2)/[(x2+y2)+1] but I've tried every variation of the 3 main coordinate transformation eqns that I can think of and haven't gotten anywhere. Those 3 eqns I'm talking about are y=rsinθ, x=rcosθ, and r=sqrt(x2+y2).

Any help would be great. (Not homework related, need to get this for some research I'm working on.)
 
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The first thing I would do is convert \hat{r} and \hat{\theta} to i and j: for a point whose radial line makes angle \theta with the positive x-axis, \hat{r}= cos(\theta)\hat{i}+ sin(\theta)\hat{j} and \hat{\theta}= -sin(\theta)\hat{i}+ cos(\theta)\hat{j}.

So 2cos(\theta)\hat{r}+ sin(\theta)\hat(\theta)= 2cos(\theta)(cos(\theta)\hat{i}+ sin(\theta)\hat{j})+ sin(\theta)(sin(\theta)\hat{i}+ cos(\theta)\hat{j}= (2cos^2(\theta)- sin^2(\theta))\hat{i}+ 3cos(\theta)sin(\theta)\hat{j}

Now, convert those trig functions into x, y.
 

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