Multivariable Calculus · free preview
New Coordinate Systems
Polar coordinates in the plane and their extensions to cylindrical and spherical coordinates in space, with conversion formulas and the art of matching coordinates to symmetry.
1. Polar coordinates describe the plane by distance and direction
Polar coordinates describe the plane by distance and direction
2. Cylindrical coordinates stack height on polar coordinates
Cylindrical coordinates stack height on polar coordinates
3. Spherical coordinates measure from the origin in one distance and two angles
Spherical coordinates measure from the origin in one distance and two angles
4. Match the coordinate system to the symmetry of the problem
Match the coordinate system to the symmetry of the problem
5. Converting a planar point to polar coordinates
Convert the Cartesian point to polar coordinates with and . Which answer is correct?
6. Cylindrical to Cartesian
A point has cylindrical coordinates . Which Cartesian point does it name?
7. Spherical to Cartesian
A point has spherical coordinates , , . Which Cartesian point does it name?
8. Choosing coordinates from the region
A solid region is described by and . Which coordinate system makes the bounds of this region simplest?
9. The radial coordinate of a cylindrical point
Convert the Cartesian point to cylindrical coordinates and give just the radial coordinate , in the form a*sqrt(b) with integers, like 2*sqrt(3).
10. The polar angle of a point on the axis
Convert the Cartesian point to spherical coordinates and give just the polar angle measured from the positive -axis, as a number of radians.
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