Graphing θ=π/4 in Polar Coordinates

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on how to graph the equation θ=π/4 in polar coordinates. Participants explore the implications of the equation, particularly the absence of a specified radius (r) and how that affects the graphing process. The conversation includes comparisons to Cartesian coordinates and the nature of polar graphs.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how to graph θ=π/4 without a specified r, suggesting that r must have some value to create an angle with the x-axis.
  • Another participant draws a parallel to graphing y=4 in Cartesian coordinates, proposing that θ=π/4 represents all points with that angle and any radius.
  • There is a discussion about the nature of the graph, with some suggesting it represents a straight line from the origin at an angle of π/4.
  • Concerns are raised about the inclusion of r=0, with one participant noting that θ is technically undefined at r=0 and suggesting it should be excluded from the graph.
  • Participants express uncertainty about how to represent the graph accurately in polar coordinates given these considerations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that θ=π/4 represents a line at that angle, but there is disagreement about the inclusion of r=0 and its implications for the graph. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the technicalities of representing this in polar coordinates.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the potential confusion around the definition of θ at r=0 and the implications for graphing polar equations. There is an acknowledgment of the limitations in understanding how to represent the relationship between r and θ in this context.

shayaan_musta
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How will you graph θ=π/4?
In polar coordinates you can graph an equation like, r=a(1-sinθ) which gives a cardioid graph.
But when my teacher giving me a class of sketching in polar coordinates then he ask to sketch θ=π/4.
But as we know that in polar coordinates (r,θ).
so in θ=π/4, there is no "r", so how we can graph it?
I think there must be some "r" which could make angle with +x-axis, if we take "r=0" then how could you make inclination with x-axis by π/4?

How will do this?
 
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hi shayaan_musta! :smile:
shayaan_musta said:
How will you graph θ=π/4?

how would you graph y = 4 ?

all points (x,y) with y = 4 (and x = anything)!​

how would you graph θ = π/4 ?

all points (r,θ) with θ = π/4 (and r = anything)! :wink:
 
tiny-tim said:
hi shayaan_musta! :smile:


how would you graph y = 4 ?

all points (x,y) with y = 4 (and x = anything)!​

how would you graph θ = π/4 ?

all points (r,θ) with θ = π/4 (and r = anything)! :wink:

you mean we have not given r in θ = π/4 but here is r as r=any value?
Am I right?
If it is so then how will plot this as a polar coordinate?
 
hi shayaan_musta! :smile:
shayaan_musta said:
you mean we have not given r in θ = π/4 but here is r as r=any value?
Am I right?

yes :smile:
If it is so then how will plot this as a polar coordinate?

(you mean "in polar coordinates")

a straight line from the origin at an angle of π/4 :wink:
 
tiny-tim said:
(you mean "in polar coordinates")


yes I mean.

a straight line from the origin at an angle of π/4

but a straight line(as you said) shows that here is r=any value but not "0(zero)". Is it?
 
hmm … it would look the same, whether you included r = 0 or not :rolleyes:

i think technically θ is undefined at r = 0, so if the equation is θ = π/4, then you're correct: r = 0 should be excluded :smile:
 
tiny-tim said:
hmm … it would look the same, whether you included r = 0 or not :rolleyes:

i think technically θ is undefined at r = 0, so if the equation is θ = π/4, then you're correct: r = 0 should be excluded :smile:

ok. thanks. great help dude.
 

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