On desmos how do you plot y=3x as a polar equation

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    Desmos Plot Polar
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around how to derive and plot the equation \(y=3x\) in polar coordinates. Participants explore the relationship between Cartesian and polar equations, particularly focusing on the implications of plotting a line through the origin in polar form.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests the derivation of \(y=3x\) as a polar equation and its plot.
  • Another participant suggests substituting \(x=r\cos(\theta)\) and \(y=r\sin(\theta)\) to derive the polar form.
  • A participant attempts to derive the polar equation but presents \(r\sin(\theta)=3r\cos(\theta)\) leading to \(\tan(\theta)=3\), questioning the ability to plot it.
  • Several participants express skepticism about the existence of a polar equation for a line through the origin, citing the absence of a defined radius.
  • One participant mentions that the equation \(\tan(\theta)=3\) does not plot on Desmos, indicating a potential misunderstanding of polar equations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the existence and form of a polar equation for the line \(y=3x\), with some asserting it cannot be represented in polar coordinates while others attempt to derive it.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the representation of lines in polar coordinates and the implications of plotting such equations in graphing software like Desmos.

karush
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Derive $y=3x$ as a polar equation and plot it.

?
 
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You don't need technology here...what do you get when you make the following substitutions:

$$x=r\cos(\theta)$$

$$y=r\sin(\theta)$$
 
View attachment 5340$$y=3x
\implies r\sin\left({x}\right)=3r\cos\left({x}\right)$$
$$\tan\left({x}\right)=3$$
no plot??
 
Last edited:
I don't think thre is polar equation for a line that goes through the origin since there is no radius
 
karush said:
I don't think thre is polar equation for a line that goes through the origin since there is no radius

The equation is simply:

$$\tan(\theta)=3$$
 
karush said:
I don't think thre is polar equation for a line that goes through the origin since there is no radius
Can you graph the line x = 4? There's no y here.

-Dan
 
topsquark said:
Can you graph the line x = 4? There's no y here.

-Dan

Yes but that is not a polar equation

And $\tan\left({\theta}\right)=3$ does not plot on desmos
 
karush said:
Yes but that is not a polar equation

And $\tan\left({\theta}\right)=3$ does not plot on desmos
Sorry. I don't know how I missed that...the desmos thing.

-Dan
 

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