Polar Coordinate System - Conventions

Conventions

The radial coordinate is often denoted by r, and the angular coordinate by θ or t.

Angles in polar notation are generally expressed in either degrees or radians (2π rad being equal to 360°). Degrees are traditionally used in navigation, surveying, and many applied disciplines, while radians are more common in mathematics and mathematical physics.

In many contexts, a positive angular coordinate means that the angle θ is measured counterclockwise from the axis.

In mathematical literature, the polar axis is often drawn horizontal and pointing to the right.

Read more about this topic:  Polar Coordinate System

Famous quotes containing the word conventions:

    Why does almost everything seem to me like its own parody? Why must I think that almost all, no, all the methods and conventions of art today are good for parody only?
    Thomas Mann (1875–1955)

    It is not human nature we should accuse but the despicable conventions that pervert it.
    Denis Diderot (1713–1784)

    I find nothing healthful or exalting in the smooth conventions of society. I do not like the close air of saloons. I begin to suspect myself to be a prisoner, though treated with all this courtesy and luxury. I pay a destructive tax in my conformity.
    Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)