) of the projection of P
on the plane, and the coordinate z of the projection of P on the
axis (Figure 1). See Section 1.3 for
remarks on the values of r and .
Next: 9.3 Spherical Coordinates in Space
Up: 9 Coordinate Systems in Space
Previous: 9.1 Cartesian Coordinates in Space
To define cylindrical coordinates, we take an axis (usually
called the z-axis) and a perpendicular plane, on which we
choose a ray (the initial ray) originating at the intersection of
the plane and the axis (the origin). The coordinates of a point
P are: the polar coordinates (r,) of the projection of P
on the plane, and the coordinate z of the projection of P on the
axis (Figure 1). See Section 1.3 for
remarks on the values of r and .
Figure 1: Among the possible sets (r,,z) of cylindrical coordinates for P are
(10,30°,5) and (10,390°,5).
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The Geometry Center Home PageSilvio Levy
Wed Oct 4 16:41:25 PDT 1995
This document is excerpted from the 30th Edition of the CRC Standard Mathematical Tables and Formulas (CRC Press). Unauthorized duplication is forbidden.