compute the unit vector given the angle

Hi guys,

How to compute the unit vector given the direction? Is there any function in matlab to do this task.

Thanks

Answer 1

[Walter Roberson]

For angle theta in radians,

%[x, y] = pol2cart(1, theta);    %-> incorrect
[x, y] = pol2cart(theta, 1);     %repaired

[Kye Taylor]

pol2cart(theta,1)?

[Walter Roberson]

Urrr, yes.

[Kye Taylor]

It's unusual that the inputs to the function don't match the "r-theta" convention that is used so often to identify the coordinate space.

Answer 2

[Roger Stafford]

If vector 'v' points in the desired direction, then do this to make it a unit vector:

   v = v/norm(v);

Answer 3

[Kye Taylor]

Given the angle

theta

in radians (counter-clockwise is positive theta, theta = 0 points in the positive x-direction) your unit vector is

u = [cos(theta),sin(theta)]

[jack]

How can you apply your answer to higher dimensions?