Converting between Polar and Cartesian Coordinates

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In the Cartesian coordinate system the coordinates are perpendicular to one another with the same unit length on both axes.

Cartesian coordinates in the figure below: (2,3)

A Polar coordinate system is determined by a fixed point, a origin or pole, and a zero direction or axis. Each point is determined by an angle and a distance relative to the zero axis and the origin.

Polar coordinates in the figure above: (3.6, 56.31)

Polar coordinates can be calculated from Cartesian coordinates like

r = (x² + y²)^1/2         (1)

where

r = distance from origin to the point

x = Cartesian x-coordinate

y = Cartesian y-coordinate

 

θ = atan(y/x) (2)

where

θ = angle relative to the zero axis (degrees)

Cartesian coordinates can be calculated from Polar coordinates like

x = r cos(θ)         (3)

y = r sin(θ)         (4)

Online Cartesian to Polar Coordinates Converter

Online Polar to Cartesian Coordinates Converter

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