Table of contents
- 0. Review of College Algebra4h 43m
- 1. Measuring Angles39m
- 2. Trigonometric Functions on Right Triangles2h 5m
- 3. Unit Circle1h 19m
- 4. Graphing Trigonometric Functions1h 19m
- 5. Inverse Trigonometric Functions and Basic Trigonometric Equations1h 41m
- 6. Trigonometric Identities and More Equations2h 34m
- 7. Non-Right Triangles1h 38m
- 8. Vectors2h 25m
- 9. Polar Equations2h 5m
- 10. Parametric Equations1h 6m
- 11. Graphing Complex Numbers1h 7m
10. Parametric Equations
Graphing Parametric Equations
Problem 75
Textbook Question
In Exercises 71–76, eliminate the parameter and graph the plane curve represented by the parametric equations. Use arrows to show the orientation of each plane curve. x = 3 + 2 cos t, y = 1+2 sin t; 0 ≤ t < 2π
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<Step 1: Identify the parametric equations.> The given parametric equations are $x = 3 + 2\cos t$ and $y = 1 + 2\sin t$. These equations describe a curve in the plane as the parameter $t$ varies from $0$ to $2\pi$.
<Step 2: Recognize the form of the equations.> Notice that the equations are in the form of a circle centered at $(h, k)$ with radius $r$. Specifically, $x = h + r\cos t$ and $y = k + r\sin t$. Here, $h = 3$, $k = 1$, and $r = 2$.
<Step 3: Eliminate the parameter $t$.> To eliminate $t$, use the trigonometric identities $\cos^2 t + \sin^2 t = 1$. Solve for $\cos t$ and $\sin t$ from the parametric equations: $\cos t = \frac{x - 3}{2}$ and $\sin t = \frac{y - 1}{2}$.
<Step 4: Substitute and simplify.> Substitute these expressions into the identity: $\left(\frac{x - 3}{2}\right)^2 + \left(\frac{y - 1}{2}\right)^2 = 1$. Simplify this equation to get the Cartesian equation of the circle.
<Step 5: Graph the circle and indicate orientation.> The resulting equation represents a circle centered at $(3, 1)$ with radius $2$. Graph this circle and use arrows to indicate the orientation, which is counterclockwise as $t$ increases from $0$ to $2\pi$.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Parametric Equations
Parametric equations express the coordinates of points on a curve as functions of a variable, often denoted as 't'. In this case, x and y are defined in terms of the parameter t, which typically represents time or an angle. Understanding how to manipulate these equations is crucial for eliminating the parameter and finding a relationship between x and y.
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Eliminating the Parameter
Eliminating the parameter involves finding a direct relationship between x and y without the parameter t. This is often done by solving one of the parametric equations for t and substituting it into the other equation. This process allows us to express the curve in Cartesian coordinates, making it easier to analyze and graph.
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Eliminating the Parameter
Graphing Plane Curves
Graphing plane curves requires understanding the shape and orientation of the curve based on the derived Cartesian equation. The orientation is indicated by arrows that show the direction of movement along the curve as the parameter t varies. Recognizing the type of curve (e.g., circle, ellipse) helps in accurately sketching the graph and understanding its properties.
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