Parametric Equations

Introduction

Parametric equations are typically defined by two equations that specify both the x and y coordinates of a graph using a parameter.

Example 1:

x = t

y = t²

This parametric equation is equivalent to the rectangular equation  

Example 2:

x = cost

y = sint

This parametric equation is equivalent to the circle equation whose radius is r = 1.

Parametric equations can be plotted by using a t-table to show values of x and y for each value of t. They can also be plotted by eliminating the parameter though this method removes the parameter's importance.

Forms of Parametric Equations

Parametric equations can be described in three ways:

• Parametric form
• Vector form
• An equality

The first two forms are used more often, as they allow us to find the value of the component at the given value of the parameter. The final form is used less often; it allows us to verify a solution to the equation, or find the parameter.

Parametric Form

A parametric equation can be shown in parametric form by describing it with a system of equations. For instance:

x = t

y = t² - 1

Vector Form

Vector form can be used to describe a parametric equation in a similar manner to parametric form. In this case, a position vector is given: (x, y) = (t, t² – 1)

Equalities

A parametric equation can also be described with a set of equalities. This is done by solving for the parameter, and equating the components.

For example:

x = t

y = t² - 1

From here, we can solve for t:

t = x

t =

And hence equate the two right-hand sides:

x =

Converting Parametric Equations

There are a few common methods used to change a parametric equation to rectangular form. Step 1: solving for t in one of the two equations

Step2:  replace the new expression for t with the variable found in the second equation.

Example 1:

x = t - 3

y = t²

x = t – 3 becomes x + 3 = t

y = (x + 3)²

Example 2:

Given

x = 3 cosθ

y = 4 sinθ

Isolate the trigonometric functions

cosθ = x/3

sinθ = y/4

Use the "Identity"

cos²θ + sin²θ = 1

x²/9 + y²/16 = 1

Differentiating parametric equations:

Let x = x(t) and y = y(t)

Then ,

Example:

x = t² – 3 and y = t ⁸, then find