Finding Coordinates on a Circle: Solving for Points After Rotation

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the coordinates of a point on a circle after a rotation, given a specific circle equation and an angle. The original poster presents a circle defined by the equation (x+a)²+(y+b)²=r² and seeks to determine the new coordinates after moving from the topmost point based on an angle Theta.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the implications of the angle Theta on the movement around the circle, with some suggesting the use of right triangle construction for understanding coordinates. There is also a clarification regarding the direction of rotation and the starting point on the circle.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the angle measurement and its effects on the coordinates. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of parametric equations for determining coordinates based on the angle, but no consensus has been reached on the best approach.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the definitions of angles and their respective directions, as well as the starting point on the circle. The original poster expresses difficulty in understanding the explanations provided.

macarino
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:frown:1. I have a circle equation
[tex](x+a)^2+(y+b)^2=r^2[/tex]
And suppose we start from the topmost of the circle
2.I have an angle Theta
and if Theta is larger than 0 we move counterclockwise or we will move in the opposite direction if it is positive.
, how can I find out the coordinates of a point on the circle after the move

Thanks a lot :)
 
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macarino said:
:frown:1. I have a circle equation
[tex](x+a)^2+(y+b)^2=r^2[/tex]
And suppose we start from the topmost of the circle
2.I have an angle Theta
and if Theta is larger than 0 we move counterclockwise or we will move in the opposite direction if it is positive.

You mean "negative" instead of this second "positive" don't you?

, how can I find out the coordinates of a point on the circle after the move
Thanks a lot :)
For [itex]\theta[/itex] between 0 and [itex]\pi/2[/itex], at least, You can construct a right triangle by drawing a line from (0,0) to the point and then from the point perpendicular to the right angle. The y-coordinate of the point is the "near side", the x-coordinate is the negative of the "opposite side".
 
I am sorry I am not a native, not understanding what you mean

In the picture below, I'd like to know what is P's coordinates given rotation angle alpha and a point O(0,a)

The circle equation is
(x+a)^2+(y+b)^2=r^2


Thanks
Regards
 

Attachments

You are taking [itex]\theta[/itex] to be 0 at the "top", (a,b+ r) and measuring it clockwise? If you were using the "standard", [itex]\theta= 0[/itex] to the right, (a+r, 0), and measuring counter clockwise, then you could use the parametric equations, [itex]x= r cos(\theta)+ a[/itex], [itex]y= r sin(\theta)+ b[/itex]. The fact that you starting 90 degrees off that means you need to swap sine and cosine: [itex]x= r sin(\theta)+ a[/itex] and [itex]y= r cos(\theta)+ a[/itex]. Now, taking [itex]\theta= 0[/itex] you can see that [itex]x= r(0)+ a= a[/itex], [itex]y= r(1)+ b= b+ r[/itex] as you want. Further taking [itex]\theta= \pi/2[/itex], we have [itex]x= r(1)+ a= a+ r[/itex], [itex]y= r(0)+ b= b[/itex] as wanted.

[itex]x= r sin(\theta)+ a[/itex], [itex]y= r cos(\theta)+ b[/itex].
 

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