Help graphing Vectors in polar form

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Homework Help Overview

The original poster is attempting to graph a vector equation in polar form using Desmos, specifically an equation involving constants A and B. The equation is expressed in terms of trigonometric functions and includes vector components.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the clarity of the original poster's question and suggest reviewing LaTeX formatting for better communication. There are inquiries about the specific nature of the graphing task and the meaning of "vector equation in polar form." Some suggest looking into trigonometric identities for simplification.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing guidance on formatting and suggesting resources for graphing. There is an exploration of the definitions and components of the equation, but no consensus has been reached regarding the best approach to graph the equation.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions a project related to gravitational assists and expresses uncertainty about how to graph a vector equation in polar form, indicating potential constraints in understanding the requirements of the task.

physicsfridayrose
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Homework Statement
I'm doing a project looking at gravitational assists and the change in velocity
for part of it my teacher has told me to graph an equation I have but I'm unsure how to, as it is a vector equation in polar form, with constants I'm going to call them A and B. I am trying to use desmos, but am unsure how to
Relevant Equations
I can't seem to type in LaTeX on here so I put it in my solution
The equation I'm trying to graph on desmos is this with A & B as numbers, but I'm unsure how as it is a vector.

r = (A cosθ sinθ cscθ - B sinθ cscθ) i + (A cosθ sinθ cscθ + B sinθ cscθ) j
 
Last edited:
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Hello, maybe you could make a loot at the LaTeX Guide, it will help us to understand what are you asking.
 
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Gaussian97 said:
Hello, maybe you could make a loot at the LaTeX Guide, it will help us to understand what are you asking.
I've had a look and can't seem to work out where I'm supposed to type in LaTeX but have reorganised the question hope it works better now
 
\vec{r} = (A\cos\theta \sin\theta \csc\theta - B sin\theta csc\theta) \hat{i} + (A cos\theta sin\theta\csc\theta+ B \sin\theta\csc\theta) \hat{j}
 
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Well, if you mean what Dr Transport wrote, you can look at some trigonometry identities to simplify a little your expression.
And what is exactly what you want to draw?
 
physicsfridayrose said:
Homework Statement:: I'm doing a project looking at gravitational assists and the change in velocity
for part of it my teacher has told me to graph an equation I have but I'm unsure how to, as it is a vector equation in polar form, with constants I'm going to call them A and B. I am trying to use desmos, but am unsure how to
Relevant Equations:: I can't seem to type in LaTeX on here so I put it in my solution

The equation I'm trying to graph on desmos is this with A & B as numbers, but I'm unsure how as it is a vector.

r = (A cosθ sinθ cscθ - B sinθ cscθ) i + (A cosθ sinθ cscθ + B sinθ cscθ) j
It's not really clear what you mean by "vector equation in polar form". Polar form is ##r=f(\theta)## where ##r##, the distance from the origin, and ##\theta##, the angle relative to the +##x## axis, are both scalars. You don't have that here. On the righthand side, you have a vector with ##x## and ##y## components. You can tell this by the presence of the unit vectors ##\hat i## and ##\hat j##. On the lefthand side, you should have ##\vec r## (not ##r##) which is equal to ##x\,\hat i + y\,\hat j##.

To make a graph in Desmos, check the help for how to plot parametric functions.
 

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