Coordinate Systems

Seventy Forth Post: Coordinate Systems

In algebra we learn about the coordinate plane system. This is finding coordinates from their x and y distances on the plane. This system is useful because of how it describes the placement of coordinates. Also, there are many other things in it such as slope and x and y intercept. And it has applications from targeting to graphing.

Of course, the coordinate plane can be expanded upon to make it 3D. And there are other systems such as polar coordinates which are coordinates based on there distance and angle from each other using a circle as reference.

But it doesn’t stop there. You, the mathematician can devise your own coordinate system to fit your needs using any shape or function. Usually the basic plane coordinate system is enough, but maybe the mathematician just wants to get creative or needs help solving a problem. But whatever the reason it is possible to create your very own personal coordinate system.

References: “Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia Deluxe 2001"