Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Polar Coordinates
Polar coordinates represent a point in a two-dimensional space using a distance from a reference point (the origin) and an angle from a reference direction (usually the positive x-axis). The format is (r, θ), where 'r' is the radial distance and 'θ' is the angle in radians. Understanding how to interpret these coordinates is essential for locating points on a polar graph.
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Intro to Polar Coordinates
Angle Measurement in Radians
In trigonometry, angles can be measured in degrees or radians. Radians are a more natural way to measure angles in the context of circles, where one full rotation (360 degrees) is equivalent to 2π radians. The angle θ = -3π/4 indicates a clockwise rotation from the positive x-axis, which is crucial for determining the correct position of the point in the polar coordinate system.
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Converting between Degrees & Radians
Negative Radius in Polar Coordinates
A negative radius in polar coordinates indicates that the point is located in the opposite direction of the angle specified. For example, a point with coordinates (−3, −3π/4) means to move 3 units in the direction opposite to the angle of −3π/4. This concept is vital for accurately plotting points on a polar graph, as it affects the quadrant in which the point lies.
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Intro to Polar Coordinates