1. 9.1 Polar Coordinates

2. Polar Coordinates
In rectangular coordinates we have an origin; and then we are given a horizontal and vertical distance to a point.
In polar coordinates, we are given an origin; and then we are given a distance and a direction to the point.

3. Contrasting Views Rectangular Given a starting point.
Need to work with 4 types of moves (+/- for horizontal and vertical).
Polar
Given a starting point.
Need to work with 2 types of moves (distance and direction).

4. Notation
Distance
Direction

5. How Do I Graph Them?
When I first began plotting polar coordinates, I began by drawing the angle first, and then the distance.
Once you get good, you begin to look at them simultaneously.

6. Examples

7. What About Negatives
In Polar Coordinates, distances can be negative (kinda).
The sign in front of the distance indicates the direction.
This is called a “directed distance” and it is a vector.

8. Examples

9. Homework: Pg. 470 # [3], [3], 39