Polar Coordinates

Definition, Conversions, and

Integration
Where is it?
In rectangular coordinates:
We break up the plane into a grid of
horizontal and vertical line lines.
We locate a point by identifying it
as the intersection of a vertical and a
horizontal line.
In polar coordinates:
We break up the plane with circles
centered at the origin and with rays
emanating from the origin.
We locate a point as the
intersection of a circle and a ray.
Coordinate systems are used to locate the position of a point.
(3,1)
(1,t/6)
Locating points in Polar Coordinates
Suppose we see the point


and we know it is in polar
coordinates. Where is it in the
plane?
(r, u)= (2,t/6)
The first coordinate,
r =2, indicates the
distance of the point
from the origin.
(2,t/6)
The second coordinate, u = t/6,
indicates the distance counter-
clockwise around from the
positive x-axis.
r =2
u = t/6
Locating points in Polar Coordinates
Note, however, that every point in
the plane as infinitely many polar
representations.
(2,t/6)
u = t/6
( )
( , ) 2,
6
r
t
u =
Locating points in Polar Coordinates
Note, however, that every point in
the plane as infinitely many polar
representations.
( )
( , ) 2,
6
r
t
u =
( )
2, 2
6
t
= + t
( )
13
2,
6
t
2
6
t
t+
Locating points in Polar Coordinates
Note, however, that every point in
the plane as infinitely many polar
representations.
( )
( , ) 2,
6
r
t
u =
( )
2, 2
6
t
= + t
( )
11
2,
6
t
2
6
t
t
( )
2, 2
6
t
= t
And we can go clockwise or
counterclockwise around the circle as
many times as we wish!
Converting Between Polar and
Rectangular Coordinates
( )
, r u
2 2 2
cos( )
sin( )
tan( )
x r
y r
r x y
x
y
= u
= u
= +
u =
It is fairly easy to see that if
(x,y) and (r, u) represent the
same point in the plane:
These relationships allow us to
convert back and forth between
rectangular and polar coordinates
Integration in Polar
Coordinates
Non-rectangular Integration
Elements
Small Changes in r and u
Suppose we consider a small
change from r

. . . to r + dr
r
r + dr
r + dr
Small Changes in r and u
Suppose we consider a small
change from r

. . . to r + dr

This gives us a thin ring
around the origin.
r
r + dr
Small Changes in r and u
Suppose we consider a small
change from u

. . . to u + du
u
u + du
Small Changes in r and u
Suppose we consider a small
change from u

. . . to u + du

This gives us a pie-shaped
wedge that is subtended by
the angle du.
u
u + du
du
Small Changes in r and u
Intersecting the thin ring

. . . and the pie-shaped
wedge,

. . . we get . . .
Small Changes in r and u
Intersecting the thin ring

. . . and the pie-shaped
wedge,

. . . we get . . .
Small Changes in r and u
In order to integrate a function
given in polar coordinates
(without first converting to
rectangular coordinates!), we
need to know the area of this
little piece.
Why?
Integration in Polar Coordinates
In order to integrate a function given in polar coordinates, we will first
chop up our region into a bunch of concentric circles and rays
emanating from the origin.
(r*,u*)
(r*,u*, f(r*,u*))
Problem: the volume of the tower is the area of the base times the
height. But the base is not a rectangle, so its area is not dr du!
Now do this for
each little
wedge and add
up the volumes
of the towers.
Area of the Small Bit
u
2
2
A
r
u
=
t t
A= area of sector of a circle
2
2
r
A
u
=
Area of a Small Bit
In order to integrate a function
given in polar coordinates
(without first converting to
rectangular coordinates!), we
need to know the area of this
little piece.
2 2
( )
2 2
r dr d r d
dA
+ u u
=
Area of a Small Bit
( )
2 2
2 2
2
2
( )
2 2
2 ( )
2 2
2
r dr d r d
dA
r rdr dr d
r d
dr d
r dr d
+ u u
=
+ + u
u
=
u
= u+
dA r dr d ~ u
( , ) ( , ) dV f r dA f r r dr d = u ~ u u

So . . .
( , )
R
V f r r dr d = u u
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