Koordinaattsüsteeme

Koordinaattsüsteeme, or coordinate systems, are fundamental tools in mathematics, physics, engineering, and geography for specifying the position of points or objects in space. A coordinate system uses a set of numbers, known as coordinates, to uniquely identify a location. The most common type is the Cartesian coordinate system, named after René Descartes.

In a two-dimensional Cartesian system, often called the x-y plane, a point is located by its horizontal distance from the origin along the x-axis and its vertical distance from the origin along the y-axis. For example, the point (3, 5) is located 3 units to the right of the origin and 5 units up. In three dimensions, a third axis, typically the z-axis, is added, and a point is identified by three coordinates (x, y, z).

Other important coordinate systems include polar coordinates, which use a distance from the origin and an angle, and spherical or cylindrical coordinates, used for three-dimensional space when rotational symmetry is present. Geographic coordinate systems, such as latitude and longitude, are used to define locations on the Earth's surface. The choice of coordinate system depends on the problem being solved and the geometry of the space involved. They are essential for describing motion, defining shapes, and mapping physical phenomena.