Pole

Definition

The pole is the fixed point from which polar coordinates are measured. It is analogous to the origin in Cartesian coordinates.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The pole is represented by the coordinates (0, 0) in the polar coordinate system.
2. All radial distances ($r$ values) are measured from the pole.
3. In polar graphs, angles ($\theta$ values) are also measured starting from the pole.
4. The pole serves as a reference for plotting points and curves in the polar coordinate system.
5. When $r = 0$, regardless of $\theta$, the point lies at the pole.

Review Questions

• What is the equivalent of the origin in Cartesian coordinates when using polar coordinates?
• How are radial distances ($r$ values) measured in relation to the pole?
• What happens when $r = 0$ in a set of polar coordinates?

Related terms

Polar Coordinates: A coordinate system where each point is determined by its distance from a reference point (the pole) and an angle from a reference direction.

Angle ($\theta$): The measure of rotation from a reference direction, usually taken counterclockwise from the positive x-axis.

Radial Distance ($r$): The distance from a given point to the pole in a polar coordinate system.