What is a parametric equation?
A parametric equation is one that is defined in terms of a single parameter, usually called t.
This means that, instead of the standard geometric equation, where y and x are defined by each other, e.g. y=3x, they are defined by this other parameter, e.g. y=t, x=t/3, where t is the input.
Both of the examples given are the same, merely in a different format, it's important to understand how to rearrange a parametric equation into a geometric equation.
All you have to do is rearrange to find t on it's own, and then equate the two:
y=t,
x=t/3, 3x=t=y, y=3x.
JB
Related Maths A Level answers
All answers ▸Using the Trapezium rule with four ordinates (three strips), estimate to 4 significant figures the integral from 1 to 4 of (x^3+12)/4sqrt(x). Calculate the exact value of this integral, comparing it with your estimate. How could the estimate be improved?
When do I use the product rule as opposed to the chain rule?
At time t = 0, a particle is projected vertically upwards with speed u m s–1 from a point 10 m above the ground. At time T seconds, the particle hits the ground with speed 17.5 m s–1. Find the value of u and T and evaluate the model. (AS mechanics)
Find the integral of xcos(2x) with respect to x