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Spherical Coordinates

The authors point out the problem with using angles \(\phi\) and \(\theta\) in spherical coordinates in the opposite way that they are used in other sciences, especially physics and engineering. They explain why this poses a larger problem for students than is generally acknowledged. Then they propose to switch the use of these angles, which could relatively easily be accomplished by adjusting current calculus textbooks.

Identifier: 
http://www.math.oregonstate.edu/bridge/papers/CMJspherical.pdf
Rating: 
Average: 3 (325 votes)
Creator(s): 
Tevian Dray and Corinne A. Manogue
Cataloger: 
Tevian Dray
Publisher: 
College Mathematics Journal
Rights: 
Mathematical Association of America