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Is there any way to calculate how the coordinates of an object changed if it is travelling in a certain diretion?
For instance, say I have a circle moving upwards to the left at an angle of 110 degrees. How can I then calculate how to change its coordinates in the next update of the screen?
This isn't really an algorithm... its simple vector math ;).
You have a circle moving upwards to the left at an angle of 110 degrees, or you have an object moving in a circle to the left at an angle of 110 degrees?
I'll cover the former.
Basically, you have the velocity vector in magnitude (V) angle (theta, angle from positive x axis, counterclockwise) form... its icky (thats the offical term btw ;) ), because you have to do trig to do anything with it really.
First, convert this vector to components with trig.
Vx (component of velocity in x direction) = V * cos(theta)
Vy (component of velocity in y direction) = V * sin(theta)
Now, the displacement (D, change in position) caused by this unchanging velocity during a given time t is
Dx (displacement in x direction) = Vx * t
Dy (displacement in y direction) = Vy * t
If you have its original position vector P, then the position P' after the time t is simply in vector terms
P' = P + D
Or in scalar terms
P'x = Px + Dx
P'y = Py + Dy
This is where trigonometry comes in handy. If you ever took it before, you will know what I am talking about.
I feared I would have to use trigonometry. I think we'll start with it in school in a couple of week. I haven't taken any trigonometry yet, don't know if the Swedish school system is slowmoving or if I'm just no old enough.
Anyway, thanks a lot, I'll take a look at it.
I remember being consumed with that problem when I was a freshman in high school. I kept trying to apply the y = mx + b line formula to 2D motion, but it just doesn't work nicely.