Find the cartesian equation of a curve?

A curve has parametric equations:

x = 2 + t2                           y = 4t

Find the cartesian equation of this curve.

A cartesian equation of a curve is simply finding the single equation of this curve in a standard form where xs and ys are the only variables. 

To find this equation, you need to solve the parametric equations simultaneously:

If y = 4t, then divide both sides by 4 to find (1/4)y = t.

This newly found value of t can be substituted into the equation for x:

x = 2 + (1/4(y))2 - expand the bracket (square both 1/4 and y) to derive x = 2 + 1/16 y2

Technically, this final equation is already in cartesian form as it only includes variables x and y, however to further rearrange the equation to find the standard 'y =' form:

x = 2 + 1/16 y2 (minus 2 from both sides)

x - 2 = 1/16 y2 (multiply each side by 16)

16x - 32 = y2    (and finally take square roots of both sides)

y = SQRT(16x-32)

JF
Answered by James F. Maths tutor

167945 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Find the first 3 terms, in ascending powers of x, of the binomial expansion of (2 – 9x)^4 giving each term in its simplest form.


What's the best strategy when approaching a maths problem?


If y=5x+4x^3, find dy/dx.


What is the equation of the curve that has gradient dy/dx=(4x-5) and passes through the point (3,7)?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning