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)

Answered by James F. Maths tutor

128587 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Differentiate: y = sin(2x).


(M1) What direction does friction act in? What are the friction equations both generally and in limiting equilibrium? What does it mean for a system to be in equilibrium?


The curve C has the equation 4x^2 - y^3 - 4xy + 2y = 0 . The point P with coordinates (-2, 4) lies on C. Find the exact value of dy/dx at the point P.


It is given that n satisfies the equation 2*log(n) - log(5*n - 24) = log(4). Show that n^2 - 20*n + 96 = 0.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy