Cartesian coordinates are used to show the location of a point on a graph. Specifically, a graph like the one commonly used throughout grade school where the origin is in the middle.
Polar coordinates also relate to the graph that we all know and have used for years, but points are no longer described by an x and y value. Instead, they have a radius and angle value. This works on a 2D plane only, unlike Cartesian coordinates which work on a 3D plane.
Polar coordinates are used often in navigation as the destination or direction of travel can be given as an angle and distance from the object being considered. For instance, aircraft use a slightly modified version of the polar coordinates for navigation.
(r, θ+2πn) or (-r, θ+(2n+1)π), where n is an integer. The value of θ is positive if measured counterclockwise. The value of θ is negative if measured clockwise. The value of r is positive if laid off at the terminal side of θ.
Create Date: August 20, 2024
Last Modified Date: August 21, 2024
