Line from origin with elevation theta in polar form?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around converting the equation of a line from Cartesian coordinates (y = mx) into polar form. Participants are exploring the mathematical relationships and transformations necessary to achieve this representation, particularly focusing on the implications of angles and the behavior of functions in polar coordinates.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to derive a polar form of the line equation, with one suggesting a function involving cosine and sine. There is also a mention of limits and secant functions as potential representations. Questions arise regarding the feasibility of expressing certain lines, particularly vertical lines, in polar coordinates.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing various attempts and insights. Some guidance has been offered regarding the representation of lines at fixed angles in polar coordinates, but no consensus has been reached on a definitive formula or method.

Contextual Notes

There are constraints noted regarding the representation of vertical lines and the specific requirements for expressing lines through the origin in polar form. Participants are also considering the implications of using different variables for angles.

BlackWyvern
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Homework Statement


I need to get y = mx in polar form. I looked at it logically, and I figured I needed a function f(x) that will resolve 0 when x =/= 0, and will resolve 1 when x = 0. I thought for a while, and then realized that sine sort of does that, and just needs a tweak to do it exactly:

[tex]r = cos^\infty(\theta - c)[/tex]

But this function, although great, is cumbersome. I can't find any other formulas, and my attempts to derive one only equal in cancellations on both sides.

Homework Equations


x = rcos(theta)
y = rsin(theta)
m = tan(theta)
Anything else you can think of.

Just to make it clear, I would like it in r form, I know of the [tex]\theta = \varphi[/tex] equation.
 
Last edited:
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[tex]r = \lim_{\substack{x\rightarrow 0}} x\sec(\theta-c) \,[/tex]

This also seems to make a line from the origin.
 
BlackWyvern said:

Homework Statement


I need to get y = mx in polar form. I looked at it logically, and I figured I needed a function f(x) that will resolve 0 when x =/= 0, and will resolve 1 when x = 0. I thought for a while, and then realized that sine sort of does that, and just needs a tweak to do it exactly:

[tex]r = cos^\infty(\theta - c)[/tex]

But this function, although great, is cumbersome. I can't find any other formulas, and my attempts to derive one only equal in y = rsin(theta)
m = tan(theta)
Anything else you can think of.

Just to make it clear, I would like it in r form, I know of the [tex]\theta = \varphi[/tex] equation.
Just as you cannot get a vertical line in y= mx+ b form, you cannot cannot get a line through the origin in [itex]r= f(\theta)[/itex] form. A line through the origin at fixed "angle of elevation" [itex]\phi[/itex] (better not to use [itex]\theta[/itex] for this constant) is [itex]\theta= \phi[/itex]. r, of course, can be number, positive, zero, or negative.
 
I see, thanks for that.
 

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