Math Example--Coordinate Geometry--Coordinate Systems: Example 16

Topic

Geometry

Description

This example focuses on plotting coordinates on a polar coordinate grid with angles between 180° and 270°. The image shows four points with their polar coordinates (r, θ): (2, 195°), (3, 210°), (5, 255°), and (4, 225°). The grid highlights angles in this specific range.

Understanding how to plot points in different quadrants of a polar grid is crucial for mastering polar coordinates. This example helps students visualize how points are positioned when their angles are between 180° and 270°, corresponding to the third 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: Look carefully at how these points are plotted on the polar grid. Notice that all the angles are between 180° and 270°. 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.