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

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the Cartesian equation \(y=3x\) as a polar equation and the challenges associated with plotting it. The key substitution involves using \(x=r\cos(\theta)\) and \(y=r\sin(\theta)\), leading to the equation \(\tan(\theta)=3\). Participants conclude that there is no valid polar equation for a line through the origin due to the absence of a defined radius. The inability to plot this equation on Desmos is also highlighted.

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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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