Call Now to Set Up Tutoring:

(888) 888-0446

Calculus 3 : Spherical Coordinates

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Calculus 3

Create An Account

All Calculus 3 Resources

6 Diagnostic Tests 373 Practice Tests Question of the Day Flashcards Learn by Concept

Example Questions

Example Question #2050 : Calculus 3

A point in space is located, in Cartesian coordinates, at (-34,-12,-8) . What is the position of this point in spherical coordinates?

Possible Answers:

$(36.93,-160.56^{\circ},102.51^{\circ})$

$(36.93,19.44^{\circ},102.51^{\circ})$

$(36.06,19.44^{\circ},-77.49^{\circ})$

$(36.06,19.44^{\circ},77.49^{\circ})$

$(36.06,-160.56^{\circ},102.51^{\circ})$

Correct answer:

$(36.93,-160.56^{\circ},102.51^{\circ})$

Explanation:

When given Cartesian coordinates of the form (x,y,z) to cylindrical coordinates of the form $(\rho,\theta,\phi)$ , it would be useful to calculate the $\rho$ term first, as we'll derive $\phi$ from it.

$\rho=\sqrt{x^2+y^2+z^2}$

Next, begin calculating our angles. Care should be taken, however, when calculating them. Beginning with $\theta$ , the formula for it is as follows:

$\theta=arctan(\frac{y}{x})$

However, it is important to be mindful of the signs of both and , bearing in mind which quadrant the point lies; this will determine the value of $\theta$ :

Quadrants

It is something to bear in mind when making a calculation using a calculator; negative values by convention create a negative $\theta$ , while negative values lead to $|\theta|>90^{\circ};\frac{\pi}{2}$

To calculate $\phi$ , we can make use of our $\rho$ value. It is found as

$\phi=arccos(\frac{z}{\rho})$ , where $0\leq\phi\leq180^{\circ}$

Phirho

For our coordinates

$\begin{align*}&(-34,-12,-8)\\&\rho=\sqrt{(-34)^2+(-12)^2+(-8)^2}=36.93\\&\theta=arctan(\frac{-12}{-34})=-160.56^{\circ}\\&\phi=arccos(\frac{-8}{36.93})=102.51^{\circ}\end{align*}$

Report an Error

Example Question #2051 : Calculus 3

A point in space is located, in Cartesian coordinates, at (48,48,2) . What is the position of this point in spherical coordinates?

Possible Answers:

$(67.88,135^{\circ},91.69^{\circ})$

$(67.88,135^{\circ},-91.69^{\circ})$

$(67.91,45^{\circ},88.31^{\circ})$

$(67.91,135^{\circ},88.31^{\circ})$

$(67.88,45^{\circ},88.31^{\circ})$

Correct answer:

$(67.91,45^{\circ},88.31^{\circ})$

Explanation:

$\rho=\sqrt{x^2+y^2+z^2}$

Next, begin calculating our angles. Care should be taken, however, when calculating them. Beginning with $\theta$ , the formula for it is as follows:

$\theta=arctan(\frac{y}{x})$

However, it is important to be mindful of the signs of both and , bearing in mind which quadrant the point lies; this will determine the value of $\theta$ :

Quadrants

To calculate $\phi$ , we can make use of our $\rho$ value. It is found as

$\phi=arccos(\frac{z}{\rho})$ , where $0\leq\phi\leq180^{\circ}$

Phirho

For our coordinates

$\begin{align*}&(48,48,2)\\&\rho=\sqrt{(48)^2+(48)^2+(2)^2}=67.91\\&\theta=arctan(\frac{48}{48})=45^{\circ}\\&\phi=arccos(\frac{2}{67.91})=88.31^{\circ}\end{align*}$

Report an Error

Example Question #2052 : Calculus 3

A point in space is located, in Cartesian coordinates, at (-45,28,29) . What is the position of this point in spherical coordinates?

Possible Answers:

$(60.42,148.11^{\circ},61.31^{\circ})$

$(53,148.11^{\circ},61.31^{\circ})$

$(53,31.89^{\circ},118.69^{\circ})$

$(53,31.89^{\circ},-118.69^{\circ})$

$(60.42,31.89^{\circ},61.31^{\circ})$

Correct answer:

$(60.42,148.11^{\circ},61.31^{\circ})$

Explanation:

$\rho=\sqrt{x^2+y^2+z^2}$

Next, begin calculating our angles. Care should be taken, however, when calculating them. Beginning with $\theta$ , the formula for it is as follows:

$\theta=arctan(\frac{y}{x})$

However, it is important to be mindful of the signs of both and , bearing in mind which quadrant the point lies; this will determine the value of $\theta$ :

Quadrants

To calculate $\phi$ , we can make use of our $\rho$ value. It is found as

$\phi=arccos(\frac{z}{\rho})$ , where $0\leq\phi\leq180^{\circ}$

Phirho

For our coordinates

$\begin{align*}&(-45,28,29)\\&\rho=\sqrt{(-45)^2+(28)^2+(29)^2}=60.42\\&\theta=arctan(\frac{28}{-45})=148.11^{\circ}\\&\phi=arccos(\frac{29}{60.42})=61.31^{\circ}\end{align*}$

Report an Error

Example Question #2053 : Calculus 3

A point in space is located, in Cartesian coordinates, at (0,-31,-24) . What is the position of this point in spherical coordinates?

Possible Answers:

$(31,-90^{\circ},127.75^{\circ})$

$(39.2,90^{\circ},127.75^{\circ})$

$(31,90^{\circ},-52.25^{\circ})$

$(39.2,-90^{\circ},127.75^{\circ})$

$(31,90^{\circ},52.25^{\circ})$

Correct answer:

$(39.2,-90^{\circ},127.75^{\circ})$

Explanation:

$\rho=\sqrt{x^2+y^2+z^2}$

Next, begin calculating our angles. Care should be taken, however, when calculating them. Beginning with $\theta$ , the formula for it is as follows:

$\theta=arctan(\frac{y}{x})$

However, it is important to be mindful of the signs of both and , bearing in mind which quadrant the point lies; this will determine the value of $\theta$ :

Quadrants

To calculate $\phi$ , we can make use of our $\rho$ value. It is found as

$\phi=arccos(\frac{z}{\rho})$ , where $0\leq\phi\leq180^{\circ}$

Phirho

For our coordinates

$\begin{align*}&(0,-31,-24)\\&\rho=\sqrt{(0)^2+(-31)^2+(-24)^2}=39.2\\&\theta=arctan(\frac{-31}{0})=-90^{\circ}\\&\phi=arccos(\frac{-24}{39.2})=127.75^{\circ}\end{align*}$

Report an Error

Example Question #2054 : Calculus 3

A point in space is located, in Cartesian coordinates, at (0,-20,-34) . What is the position of this point in spherical coordinates?

Possible Answers:

$(39.45,-90^{\circ},149.53^{\circ})$

$(20,-90^{\circ},149.53^{\circ})$

$(20,90^{\circ},30.47^{\circ})$

$(39.45,90^{\circ},149.53^{\circ})$

$(20,90^{\circ},-30.47^{\circ})$

Correct answer:

$(39.45,-90^{\circ},149.53^{\circ})$

Explanation:

$\rho=\sqrt{x^2+y^2+z^2}$

Next, begin calculating our angles. Care should be taken, however, when calculating them. Beginning with $\theta$ , the formula for it is as follows:

$\theta=arctan(\frac{y}{x})$

However, it is important to be mindful of the signs of both and , bearing in mind which quadrant the point lies; this will determine the value of $\theta$ :

Quadrants

To calculate $\phi$ , we can make use of our $\rho$ value. It is found as

$\phi=arccos(\frac{z}{\rho})$ , where $0\leq\phi\leq180^{\circ}$

Phirho

For our coordinates

$\begin{align*}&(0,-20,-34)\\&\rho=\sqrt{(0)^2+(-20)^2+(-34)^2}=39.45\\&\theta=arctan(\frac{-20}{0})=-90^{\circ}\\&\phi=arccos(\frac{-34}{39.45})=149.53^{\circ}\end{align*}$

Report an Error

Example Question #2055 : Calculus 3

A point in space is located, in Cartesian coordinates, at (-41,25,44) . What is the position of this point in spherical coordinates?

Possible Answers:

$(65.13,148.63^{\circ},47.5^{\circ})$

$(65.13,31.37^{\circ},47.5^{\circ})$

$(48.02,31.37^{\circ},132.5^{\circ})$

$(48.02,148.63^{\circ},47.5^{\circ})$

$(48.02,31.37^{\circ},-132.5^{\circ})$

Correct answer:

$(65.13,148.63^{\circ},47.5^{\circ})$

Explanation:

$\rho=\sqrt{x^2+y^2+z^2}$

Next, begin calculating our angles. Care should be taken, however, when calculating them. Beginning with $\theta$ , the formula for it is as follows:

$\theta=arctan(\frac{y}{x})$

However, it is important to be mindful of the signs of both and , bearing in mind which quadrant the point lies; this will determine the value of $\theta$ :

Quadrants

To calculate $\phi$ , we can make use of our $\rho$ value. It is found as

$\phi=arccos(\frac{z}{\rho})$ , where $0\leq\phi\leq180^{\circ}$

Phirho

For our coordinates

$\begin{align*}&(-41,25,44)\\&\rho=\sqrt{(-41)^2+(25)^2+(44)^2}=65.13\\&\theta=arctan(\frac{25}{-41})=148.63^{\circ}\\&\phi=arccos(\frac{44}{65.13})=47.5^{\circ}\end{align*}$

Report an Error

Example Question #2056 : Calculus 3

A point in space is located, in Cartesian coordinates, at (-46,5,-4) . What is the position of this point in spherical coordinates?

Possible Answers:

$(46.44,173.8^{\circ},94.94^{\circ})$

$(46.27,6.2^{\circ},85.06^{\circ})$

$(46.27,6.2^{\circ},-85.06^{\circ})$

$(46.44,6.2^{\circ},94.94^{\circ})$

$(46.27,173.8^{\circ},94.94^{\circ})$

Correct answer:

$(46.44,173.8^{\circ},94.94^{\circ})$

Explanation:

$\rho=\sqrt{x^2+y^2+z^2}$

Next, begin calculating our angles. Care should be taken, however, when calculating them. Beginning with $\theta$ , the formula for it is as follows:

$\theta=arctan(\frac{y}{x})$

However, it is important to be mindful of the signs of both and , bearing in mind which quadrant the point lies; this will determine the value of $\theta$ :

Quadrants

To calculate $\phi$ , we can make use of our $\rho$ value. It is found as

$\phi=arccos(\frac{z}{\rho})$ , where $0\leq\phi\leq180^{\circ}$

Phirho

For our coordinates

$\begin{align*}&(-46,5,-4)\\&\rho=\sqrt{(-46)^2+(5)^2+(-4)^2}=46.44\\&\theta=arctan(\frac{5}{-46})=173.8^{\circ}\\&\phi=arccos(\frac{-4}{46.44})=94.94^{\circ}\end{align*}$

Report an Error

Example Question #391 : 3 Dimensional Space

A point in space is located, in Cartesian coordinates, at (17,11,37) . What is the position of this point in spherical coordinates?

Possible Answers:

$(20.25,32.91^{\circ},28.69^{\circ})$

$(20.25,147.09^{\circ},-151.31^{\circ})$

$(42.18,147.09^{\circ},28.69^{\circ})$

$(20.25,147.09^{\circ},151.31^{\circ})$

$(42.18,32.91^{\circ},28.69^{\circ})$

Correct answer:

$(42.18,32.91^{\circ},28.69^{\circ})$

Explanation:

$\rho=\sqrt{x^2+y^2+z^2}$

Next, begin calculating our angles. Care should be taken, however, when calculating them. Beginning with $\theta$ , the formula for it is as follows:

$\theta=arctan(\frac{y}{x})$

However, it is important to be mindful of the signs of both and , bearing in mind which quadrant the point lies; this will determine the value of $\theta$ :

Quadrants

To calculate $\phi$ , we can make use of our $\rho$ value. It is found as

$\phi=arccos(\frac{z}{\rho})$ , where $0\leq\phi\leq180^{\circ}$

Phirho

For our coordinates

$\begin{align*}&(17,11,37)\\&\rho=\sqrt{(17)^2+(11)^2+(37)^2}=42.18\\&\theta=arctan(\frac{11}{17})=32.91^{\circ}\\&\phi=arccos(\frac{37}{42.18})=28.69^{\circ}\end{align*}$

Report an Error

Example Question #392 : 3 Dimensional Space

A point in space is located, in Cartesian coordinates, at (-18,-14,35) . What is the position of this point in spherical coordinates?

Possible Answers:

$(22.8,-142.13^{\circ},33.09^{\circ})$

$(41.77,-142.13^{\circ},33.09^{\circ})$

$(41.77,37.87^{\circ},33.09^{\circ})$

$(22.8,37.87^{\circ},-146.91^{\circ})$

$(22.8,37.87^{\circ},146.91^{\circ})$

Correct answer:

$(41.77,-142.13^{\circ},33.09^{\circ})$

Explanation:

$\rho=\sqrt{x^2+y^2+z^2}$

Next, begin calculating our angles. Care should be taken, however, when calculating them. Beginning with $\theta$ , the formula for it is as follows:

$\theta=arctan(\frac{y}{x})$

However, it is important to be mindful of the signs of both and , bearing in mind which quadrant the point lies; this will determine the value of $\theta$ :

Quadrants

To calculate $\phi$ , we can make use of our $\rho$ value. It is found as

$\phi=arccos(\frac{z}{\rho})$ , where $0\leq\phi\leq180^{\circ}$

Phirho

For our coordinates

$\begin{align*}&(-18,-14,35)\\&\rho=\sqrt{(-18)^2+(-14)^2+(35)^2}=41.77\\&\theta=arctan(\frac{-14}{-18})=-142.13^{\circ}\\&\phi=arccos(\frac{35}{41.77})=33.09^{\circ}\end{align*}$

Report an Error

Example Question #393 : 3 Dimensional Space

$\begin{align*}&\text{A point in space is located, in Cartesian coordinates, at }(25,12,111).\\&\text{What is the position of this point in spherical coordinates?}\end{align*}$

Possible Answers:

$(27.73,25.64^{\circ},14.03^{\circ})$

$(27.73,154.36^{\circ},165.97^{\circ})$

$(114.41,25.64^{\circ},14.03^{\circ})$

$(27.73,154.36^{\circ},-165.97^{\circ})$

$(114.41,154.36^{\circ},14.03^{\circ})$

Correct answer:

$(114.41,25.64^{\circ},14.03^{\circ})$

Explanation:

$\begin{align*}&\text{When converting Cartesian coordinates:} (x,y,z)\\&\text{to spherical coordinates: }(\rho,\theta,\phi)\text{, it is useful to}\\& \text{calculate the }\rho\text{ term first:}\\& \rho=\sqrt{x^2+y^2+z^2}\\&\text{Next, calculate angles, being prudent to be careful when calculating them}.\\&\text{The formula for }\theta\text{ is as follows:}\\& \theta=arctan(\frac{y}{x})\\&\text{Keep in mind the signs of }x\text{ and }y\text{, and}\\& \text{which quadrant the point lies in.}\\& \text{Negative }y\text{ values lead to a negative }\theta\text{; negative }x\\&\text{values lead to }|\theta|>90^{\circ}\\&\text{To calculate }\phi\text{, we can use our }\rho\text{ value:}\\&\phi=arccos(\frac{z}{\rho})\text{ where }0\leq\phi\leq180^{\circ}\\&\text{For our coordinates: }(25,12,111)\\&\rho=\sqrt{(25)^2+(12)^2+(111)^2}=114.41\\&\theta=arctan(\frac{12}{25})=25.64^{\circ}\\&\phi=arccos(\frac{111}{114.41})=14.03^{\circ}\end{align*}$

Report an Error

View Calculus 3 Tutors

Shivansh
Certified Tutor

University of British Columbia, Bachelor, Math major and data science minor .

View Calculus 3 Tutors

Neo
Certified Tutor

University of Toronto, Bachelor, Electrical Engineering.

View Calculus 3 Tutors

Caroline
Certified Tutor

Marywood University, Bachelor of Engineering, Electrical Engineering.

All Calculus 3 Resources

6 Diagnostic Tests 373 Practice Tests Question of the Day Flashcards Learn by Concept

Popular Subjects

Math Tutors in San Francisco-Bay Area, Chemistry Tutors in Phoenix, Statistics Tutors in Dallas Fort Worth, Physics Tutors in Dallas Fort Worth, GRE Tutors in Dallas Fort Worth, LSAT Tutors in San Francisco-Bay Area, Math Tutors in Philadelphia, GRE Tutors in San Diego, Statistics Tutors in Chicago, Chemistry Tutors in Los Angeles

Popular Courses & Classes

SAT Courses & Classes in Seattle, GMAT Courses & Classes in Dallas Fort Worth, SSAT Courses & Classes in Philadelphia, GMAT Courses & Classes in Seattle, GRE Courses & Classes in Phoenix, LSAT Courses & Classes in San Francisco-Bay Area, SSAT Courses & Classes in Chicago, LSAT Courses & Classes in Phoenix, SAT Courses & Classes in Philadelphia, GMAT Courses & Classes in New York City

Popular Test Prep

LSAT Test Prep in Washington DC, MCAT Test Prep in San Diego, SAT Test Prep in Seattle, LSAT Test Prep in Phoenix, ISEE Test Prep in Chicago, SSAT Test Prep in Denver, SSAT Test Prep in San Francisco-Bay Area, ISEE Test Prep in Houston, GMAT Test Prep in Dallas Fort Worth, SSAT Test Prep in Chicago

DMCA Complaint

If you believe that content available by means of the Website (as defined in our Terms of Service) infringes one or more of your copyrights, please notify us by providing a written notice (“Infringement Notice”) containing the information described below to the designated agent listed below. If Varsity Tutors takes action in response to an Infringement Notice, it will make a good faith attempt to contact the party that made such content available by means of the most recent email address, if any, provided by such party to Varsity Tutors.

Your Infringement Notice may be forwarded to the party that made the content available or to third parties such as ChillingEffects.org.

Please be advised that you will be liable for damages (including costs and attorneys’ fees) if you materially misrepresent that a product or activity is infringing your copyrights. Thus, if you are not sure content located on or linked-to by the Website infringes your copyright, you should consider first contacting an attorney.

Please follow these steps to file a notice:

You must include the following:

A physical or electronic signature of the copyright owner or a person authorized to act on their behalf; An identification of the copyright claimed to have been infringed; A description of the nature and exact location of the content that you claim to infringe your copyright, in \ sufficient detail to permit Varsity Tutors to find and positively identify that content; for example we require a link to the specific question (not just the name of the question) that contains the content and a description of which specific portion of the question – an image, a link, the text, etc – your complaint refers to; Your name, address, telephone number and email address; and A statement by you: (a) that you believe in good faith that the use of the content that you claim to infringe your copyright is not authorized by law, or by the copyright owner or such owner’s agent; (b) that all of the information contained in your Infringement Notice is accurate, and (c) under penalty of perjury, that you are either the copyright owner or a person authorized to act on their behalf.

Send your complaint to our designated agent at:

Charles Cohn Varsity Tutors LLC
101 S. Hanley Rd, Suite 300
St. Louis, MO 63105

Or fill out the form below:

Do not fill in this field

Contact Information

* Full legal name

Company name

* Phone number

* Email address

Address

* Address1

Address2

* City

* State

* Zipcode

* Country

Complaint Details

* URL of copyrighted work (where your original material is located)

* Please describe the copyrighted work so that it may be easily identified

I am the owner, or an agent authorized to act on behalf of the owner of an exclusive right that is allegedly infringed.

I have a good faith belief that the use of the material in the manner complained of is not authorized by the copyright owner, its agent, or the law.

This notification is accurate.

I acknowledge that there may be adverse legal consequences for making false or bad faith allegations of copyright infringement by using this process.

* Signature (your digital signature is legally binding)

HIGH SCHOOL

GRADUATE SCHOOL

K-8

Search 50+ Tests

math tutoring

science tutoring

foreign languages

elementary tutoring

other

Search 350+ Subjects

Calculus 3 : Spherical Coordinates

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for Calculus 3

All Calculus 3 Resources

Example Questions

Example Question #2050 : Calculus 3

Example Question #2051 : Calculus 3

Example Question #2052 : Calculus 3

Example Question #2053 : Calculus 3

Example Question #2054 : Calculus 3

Example Question #2055 : Calculus 3

Example Question #2056 : Calculus 3

Example Question #391 : 3 Dimensional Space

Example Question #392 : 3 Dimensional Space

Example Question #393 : 3 Dimensional Space

All Calculus 3 Resources

Report an issue with this question

DMCA Complaint

Contact Information

Address

Complaint Details

Email address:
Your name:
Feedback: