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.

Answered by James B. Maths tutor

4560 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Express 2 cos x – sin x in the form Rcos( x + a ), where R and a are constants, R > 0 and a is between 0 and 90 ° Give the exact value of R and give the value of to 2 decimal places.


A line L is parallel to y=4x+5 and passes through the point (-1, 6). Find the equation of the line L in the form y=ax+b . Find also the coordinates of its intersections with the axes.


Find the values of x that satisfy the following inequality 3x – 7 > 3 – x


Integrate 3x^2+cos(x) with respect to x


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 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences