How Do You Partially Differentiate Theta in Polar Coordinates?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the partial differentiation of the angle θ in polar coordinates, specifically how to compute θ'(t) given the relationships x = r cos(θ) and y = r sin(θ). The user employs the chain rule to express θ'(t) as θ'(x)x'(t) + θ'(y)y'(t). The derivatives of θ with respect to x and y are established as θ'_{x} = -y/(x² + y²) and θ'_{y} = x/(x² + y²), derived from the formula θ = arctan(y/x).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of polar coordinates and their relationships to Cartesian coordinates.
  • Familiarity with the chain rule in calculus.
  • Knowledge of partial differentiation techniques.
  • Basic understanding of trigonometric functions and their inverses.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of the chain rule in multivariable calculus.
  • Learn about polar coordinate transformations and their implications in calculus.
  • Explore advanced topics in partial differentiation, including higher-order derivatives.
  • Investigate the geometric interpretations of polar coordinates in relation to calculus.
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in mathematics, physics, and engineering who are working with polar coordinates and require a solid understanding of differentiation techniques in multivariable contexts.

Poirot1
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I have x=x(t) and y=y(t) and I'm working in polar co-ordinates so $$x=rcos{\theta}$$ and $$y=rsin{\theta}$$.

I want to find ${\theta}'(t)$ so by the chain rule I want $${\theta}'(x)*x'(t)+{\theta}'(y)*y'(t)$$. I know $${\theta}=arctan(y/x)$$ but how do I partially differentiate theta w.r.t x and y?
 
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Poirot said:
I have x=x(t) and y=y(t) and I'm working in polar co-ordinates so $$x=rcos{\theta}$$ and $$y=rsin{\theta}$$.

I want to find ${\theta}'(t)$ so by the chain rule I want $${\theta}'(x)*x'(t)+{\theta}'(y)*y'(t)$$. I know $${\theta}=arctan(y/x)$$ but how do I partially differentiate theta w.r.t x and y?

If $\displaystyle \theta(x,y)= \tan^{-1} \frac {y}{x}$ then is...

$\displaystyle \theta^{\ '}_{x}= \frac{- \frac{y}{x^{2}}}{1+ (\frac{y}{x})^{2}}= - \frac{y}{x^{2}+y^{2}}$

$\displaystyle \theta^{\ '}_{y}= \frac{\frac{1}{x}}{1+ (\frac{y}{x})^{2}}= \frac{x}{x^{2}+y^{2}}$

Kind regards

$\chi$ $\sigma$
 

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