Math Example--Coordinate Geometry--Coordinate Systems: Example 15

Topic

Geometry

Description

This example demonstrates plotting coordinates on a polar coordinate grid with angles between 90° and 180°. The image displays four points with their polar coordinates (r, θ): (2, 105°), (3, 120°), (5, 165°), and (4, 135°). The grid shows angles from 0° to 360°.

Understanding how to plot points in different quadrants of a polar grid is essential for mastering polar coordinates. This example helps students visualize how points are positioned when their angles are between 90° and 180°, corresponding to the second quadrant in a Cartesian system.

By providing multiple examples in this specific angle range, students can develop a clear understanding of how angle measures affect the position of points in a polar coordinate system.

Teacher's Script: Observe how these points are plotted on the polar grid. Notice that all the angles are between 90° and 180°. Can you explain how this affects the position of the points? Let's discuss how these polar coordinates would translate to Cartesian coordinates and why understanding this quadrant is important in polar systems.

For a complete collection of math examples related to Coordinate Systems click on this link: Math Examples: Coordinate Systems Collection.