Spherical cylindrical and rectangular coordinates

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on converting the spherical coordinate equation ρ * sin(φ) = 2 * cos(θ) into cylindrical and rectangular coordinates. The initial transformation yields r = 2 * cos(θ), which can be further expressed in terms of x and y coordinates. The final equation derived is x² + y² = 4 * cos²(θ), indicating that the surface S represents a cylinder in three-dimensional space. The conversion process emphasizes the relationship between spherical and Cartesian coordinates.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of spherical coordinates and their parameters (ρ, φ, θ).
  • Familiarity with cylindrical coordinates and the conversion formulas.
  • Knowledge of rectangular coordinates (x, y, z) and their relationships to cylindrical coordinates.
  • Basic trigonometric identities, particularly involving cosine.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the conversion formulas between spherical and cylindrical coordinates.
  • Learn about the geometric interpretation of surfaces defined in different coordinate systems.
  • Explore the properties of cylindrical surfaces and their equations.
  • Investigate trigonometric identities and their applications in coordinate transformations.
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in mathematics, particularly those studying multivariable calculus and coordinate systems, as well as anyone involved in physics or engineering applications requiring coordinate transformations.

Justabeginner
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Homework Statement


Suppose that in spherical coordinates the surface S is given by the equation rho * sin(phi)= 2 * cos(theta).
Find an equation for the surface in cylindrical and rectangular coordinates. Describe the surface- what kind of surface is S?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


r= rho * sin (phi)
r^2= (rho * sin(phi)^2
r^2= 4 cos ^2 (theta)
x^2 + y^2= 4 cos^2 (theta)

And now I'm drawing a blank. Can someone please help me on how to continue?- I'm clueless! Thank you!
 
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Justabeginner said:

Homework Statement


Suppose that in spherical coordinates the surface S is given by the equation rho * sin(phi)= 2 * cos(theta).
Find an equation for the surface in cylindrical and rectangular coordinates. Describe the surface- what kind of surface is S?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


r= rho * sin (phi)
r^2= (rho * sin(phi)^2
r^2= 4 cos ^2 (theta)
x^2 + y^2= 4 cos^2 (theta)

And now I'm drawing a blank. Can someone please help me on how to continue?- I'm clueless! Thank you!

You don't want to square that first equation ##r =\rho\sin\phi##. So after that first step you have ##r = 2\cos\theta##. What's the formula for ##\cos\theta##? Get it all in terms of ##x,y,z##.
 

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