polar coordinates

British  

plural noun

1. a pair of coordinates for locating a point in a plane by means of the length of a radius vector, r, which pivots about the origin to establish the angle, θ, that the position of the point makes with a fixed line. Usually written ( r , θ) See also Cartesian coordinates spherical coordinates

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Example Sentences

We also used this idea when we transformed double integrals in rectangular coordinates to polar coordinates and transformed triple integrals in rectangular coordinates to cylindrical or spherical coordinates to make the computations simpler.

From Textbooks • Mar. 30, 2016

Earlier in this chapter we showed how to convert a double integral in rectangular coordinates into a double integral in polar coordinates in order to deal more conveniently with problems involving circular symmetry.

From Textbooks • Mar. 30, 2016

To apply a double integral to a situation with circular symmetry, it is often convenient to use a double integral in polar coordinates.

From Textbooks • Mar. 30, 2016

In this way, cylindrical coordinates provide a natural extension of polar coordinates to three dimensions.

From Textbooks • Mar. 30, 2016

In the geometry of motion under central forces the advantage of working with polar coordinates is great.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 6 "Geodesy" to "Geometry" by Various