Location via proxy:   [ UP ]  
[Report a bug]   [Manage cookies]                
Scribd
Upload
227 views

Using Parametric Equations

This document discusses parametric equations including using them to sketch curves, finding cartesian equations from parametric equations, and parametric equations involving trigonometric functions. Examples are provided for each concept to illustrate the process. Key steps are outlined for sketching curves from parametric equations and finding the cartesian equation from parametric equations.

Uploaded by

wolfretonmaths
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
227 views

Using Parametric Equations

This document discusses parametric equations including using them to sketch curves, finding cartesian equations from parametric equations, and parametric equations involving trigonometric functions. Examples are provided for each concept to illustrate the process. Key steps are outlined for sketching curves from parametric equations and finding the cartesian equation from parametric equations.

Uploaded by

wolfretonmaths
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 5

AQA Core 4 Parametric equations

Section 1: Using parametric equations


Notes and Examples
These notes contain subsections on
Parametric equations
Sketching a parametric curve
Finding the cartesian equation of a curve
Parametric equations involving trigonometric functions

Parametric equations
An equation like y = 5x + 1 or y 3sin x 4cos x or x 2 y 2 1 is called a cartesian
equation. A cartesian equation gives a direct relationship between x and y.
In parametric equations x and y are both defined in terms of a third variable
(parameter) usually t or .
For example x t , y t 2
is a pair of parametric equations
and
x cos , y sin is also a pair of parametric equations.
Parametric equations can be used for a complicated curve which doesnt have a
simple Cartesian equation.

Sketching a parametric curve


To sketch a curve given its parametric equations follow these steps.
Step 1

Make a table like this one:


t or
x
y

Step 2

Choose values of t or (these will be usually be given to you)

Step 3

Work out the corresponding values of x and y using the


parametric equations.

Step 4

Plot the (x, y) coordinates. Join them up in a smooth curve.

These examples show you how to do this.

Example 1
A curve has the parametric equations x 3t , y t 2 .
Sketch the curve for 4 t 4
1 of 5

18/03/13 MEI

AQA C4 Parametric equations 1 Notes and Examples


Solution
t -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4
x -12 -9 -6 -3 0 3 6 9 12
y 16 9 4 1 0 1 4 9 16
16

14
12
10
8
6
4
2
x
10

10

Finding the cartesian equation of a curve


To find the cartesian equation of a curve from its parametric equations you need to
eliminate the parameter.
Note: it is not always possible to find the cartesian equation of a curve defined
parametrically.
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3

Make t the subject of one of the parametric equations.


Substitute your equation for t into the other parametric
equation.
Simplify.

Example 2
Find the cartesian equation of the curve defined by the parametric equations
x 3t 2, y 1 t 2
Solution

x2
3

Make t the subject of x 3t 2 :

Substitute into y 1 t :

x2
y 1

x2
y 1

3
2
( x 2)
y 1
9

Simplify:

2 of 5

18/03/13 MEI

AQA C4 Parametric equations 1 Notes and Examples


Sometimes it is easier to rearrange both equations to give an expression for t, as
shown in the next example.

Example 3
Find the cartesian equation of the curve defined by the parametric equations
t
t
x
, y
t 1
t 1
Solution
t
x(t 1) t
x
t 1
tx x t
t tx x
t (1 x) x
x
t
1 x
Equating the two expressions for t:

t
y (t 1) t
t 1
ty y t
ty t y
t ( y 1) y
y
t
y 1
x
y

1 x y 1
x( y 1) y (1 x)
xy x y xy
2 xy y x
y (2 x 1) x
x
y
2x 1
y

Parametric equations involving trigonometric functions


Parametric equations often involve trigonometric functions.

Example 4
A curve has the parametric equations x 1 2cos , y 3 2sin .
Sketch the curve for 0 360 .
Solution
0 30 60 90 120
2
1
0
x 3 2.73
4
4.73 5 4.73
y 3

150
-0.73
4

180
-1
3

3 of 5

210
-0.73
2

240
0
1.27

270
1
1

300
2
1.27

330
2.73
2

18/03/13 MEI

360
3
3

AQA C4 Parametric equations 1 Notes and Examples


6

x
2

If you want to find the Cartesian equation for parametric equations involving
trigonometric functions, you will probably need to use a trigonometric identity.
You might need to use any of the Pythagorean identities:
sin 2 cos 2 1

tan 2 1 sec 2
1 cot 2 cosec 2
Alternatively, you might need the double angle or compound angle formulae.

Example 5
Find the cartesian equation of the curve defined by the parametric equations
x 4 cos , y 2cos 2
Solution
The identity which connects cos 2 and cos is
cos 2 2cos2 1

x 4 cos cos x 4
y
y 2cos 2 cos 2
2
Substitute and into
y
2( x 4)2 1
2
Simplify

y 4( x 4)2 2

A circle with radius r and centre (0, 0) has parametric equations:

x r cos
y r sin
A circle with radius r and centre (a, b) has parametric equations:
4 of 5

18/03/13 MEI

AQA C4 Parametric equations 1 Notes and Examples


x a r cos
y b r sin

Example 6
(i) Find the cartesian equation of the curve given by the parametric equations
x 2 3cos

y 3sin 1
(ii) Sketch the curve.
Solution
The trig identity sin 2 cos2 1 links sin and cos
Make cos the subject of x 2 3cos :
Make sin the subject of y 3sin 1:

x2
3
y 1
sin
3
cos

Substitute and into sin 2 cos2 1 :

x 2 y 1


1
3 3
( x 2)2 ( y 1)2

1
9
9
( x 2)2 ( y 1)2 9
2

So
So

(ii) Need to sketch a circle of radius 3 and centre (2, -1)


4

( x 2)2 ( y 1)2 9

3
2
1
4 3 2 1
1

x
1

2
3
4
5
6

An ellipse has parametric equations of the form x a cos , y b sin .

Try recreating the Parametric Equations Pictures, either on your own or with a
group of friends.

5 of 5

18/03/13 MEI

You might also like