Page 1 of 5

Spherical Coordinate System – 01

- A motivation

Let’s begin by solving a problem from basic grade 12 differential calculus. This problem is
about optimization.

The sum of the lengths of the hypotenuse and another side of a right angles triangle is 20 cm.
Determine the angle between these sides so that the area of the triangle is a maximum.

You’re encouraged to solve the problem on your own, first.

Let me present three solutions to you. Let me know your comments after going through the
solutions.
Page 2 of 5
 Page 3 of 5

Before turning to the next page, try to do the same problem by choosing ‘y’ as the variable.
Page 4 of 5
 Page 5 of 5

Now, compare the three methods and make your comments.

My concluding remarks:

As you’d see this is a simple problem in basic class 12 math. It’s true that there’s probably no
connection between this problem and coordinate systems. It may even ‘seem out of topic’.
However, the purpose of this document is to show how, sometimes, something as simple as
the choice of a variable can make the solution of the problem easier for you.

I’ve solved the problem using x, y and θ as the variables. Though there are three variables,
they’re related to each other due to the fact the triangle is right triangled. We call this a
‘constraint’. You’d notice, though ‘θ’ is a natural choice as a variable it’s actually most
complicated to solve. Choosing ‘y’ as the variable makes the calculations really easy.

One may ask how to choose the ‘best’ variable. Well, I don’t think there’s a simple rule for
that. I can only say you’ll learn by experience. As you try out the problem you’ll find for
yourself which variable is the easiest to work with. And this experience in one or a few
problems will help you in other problems.

Working with different coordinate systems is much similar.

A point in space is described by the set (x, y, z) in the Cartesian system. The same point can
be described by an equivalent set (r, θ, φ) in the spherical coordinate system. The set
(x, y, z) can be related to the set (r, θ, φ) by simple geometry. The coordinates can be viewed
as ‘variables’ to serve as an analogy to the problem I had solved.

Which system to use in a particular situation is not a tough question to answer actually. As
you work a few situations, you’ll be able to figure the ‘easier’ choice. It’s some sense a matter
of ‘convenience’, and perhaps ‘taste’.

Thank you

Ravishankar