Trig Background Question (1 Viewer)

[bujolover]

Hi guys,
I have a question regarding calculating angles, and though it's not really that important, I would really like to know it just for my knowledge... oh, and please explain in relatively simple terms!!!

It says that "acute angles must be calculated relative to the x-axis, and never the y-axis". But WHY??

It's just that if I understand why, it just would make me feel a bit better somehow... :]

Anyway, thanks in advance!!

 

[Drongoski]

Hi guys,
I have a question regarding calculating angles, and though it's not really that important, I would really like to know it just for my knowledge... oh, and please explain in relatively simple terms!!!

It says that "acute angles must be calculated relative to the x-axis, and never the y-axis". But WHY??

It's just that if I understand why, it just would make me feel a bit better somehow... :]

Anyway, thanks in advance!!

But in what context?? Which angles?

 

[bujolover]

But in what context?? Which angles?

View attachment 33714

For example, angle theta is an angle between the x-axis and the ray. I just want to know if there's a reason for why it has to be the x-axis, and not the y-axis.

 

[Drongoski]

I cannot open your attachment. But if you have a ray, the angle is by convention, measured anti-clockwise from the positive x-axis (not the y-axis).

 

[bujolover]

I cannot open your attachment. But if you have a ray, the angle is by convention, measured anti-clockwise from the positive x-axis (not the y-axis).

Thanks.