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Parametric Equations: Graphs |
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It is the bottom of the ninth inning, with two outs and two men on base. The home team is losing by two runs. The batter swings and hits the baseball at 140 feet per second and at an angle of approximately 45°
to the horizontal. How far will the ball travel? Will it clear the fence for a game-winning home run? The outcome may depend partly on other factors (for example, the wind), but mathematicians can model the path of a projectile and predict approximately how far it will travel using parametric equations{: data-type="term" .no-emphasis}. In this section, we’ll discuss parametric equations and some common applications, such as projectile motion problems.
In lieu of a graphing calculator or a computer graphing program, plotting points to represent the graph of an equation is the standard method. As long as we are careful in calculating the values, point-plotting is highly dependable.
-
Construct a table with three columns: t,x(t),and y(t).
-
Evaluate x
and y
for values of t
over the interval for which the functions are defined.
-
Plot the resulting pairs ( x,y ). {: type="1"}
and y(t),
as in [link], and plot the points in a plane.
| t
| x( t )= t 2 +1
| y( t )=2+t
| |---------- | −5
| 26
| −3
| | −4
| 17
| −2
| | −3
| 10
| −1
| | −2
| 5
| 0
| | −1
| 2
| 1
| | 0
| 1
| 2
| | 1
| 2
| 3
| | 2
| 5
| 4
| | 3
| 10
| 5
| | 4
| 17
| 6
| | 5
| 26
| 7
| {: #Table_08_07_01 summary="Twelve rows and three columns. First column is labeled t, second column is labeled x(t)=t^2 + 1, third column is labeled y(t) = 2 + t. The table has ordered triples of each of these row values: (-5, 26, -3), (-4, 17, -2), (-3, 10, -1), (-2, 5, 0), (-1, 2, 1), (0, 1, 2), (1, 2, 3), (2, 5, 4), (3, 10, 5), (4, 17, 6), (5, 26, 7)."}
The graph is a parabola{: data-type="term" .no-emphasis} with vertex at the point ( 1,2 ),
opening to the right. See [link].
progress in a positive direction from 0 to 5, the plotted points trace out the top half of the parabola. As values of t
become negative, they trace out the lower half of the parabola. There are no restrictions on the domain. The arrows indicate direction according to increasing values of t.
The graph does not represent a function, as it will fail the vertical line test. The graph is drawn in two parts: the positive values for t,
and the negative values for t.
and evaluating x
and y.
Using angles with known sine and cosine values for t
makes calculations easier.
| t
| x=2cos t
| y=4sin t
| |---------- | 0 | x=2cos(0)=2
| y=4sin(0)=0
| | π 6
| x=2cos( π 6 )= 3
| y=4sin( π 6 )=2
| | π 3
| x=2cos( π 3 )=1
| y=4sin( π 3 )=2 3
| | π 2
| x=2cos( π 2 )=0
| y=4sin( π 2 )=4
| | 2π 3
| x=2cos( 2π 3 )=−1
| y=4sin( 2π 3 )=2 3
| | 5π 6
| x=2cos( 5π 6 )=− 3
| y=4sin( 5π 6 )=2
| | π
| x=2cos(π)=−2
| y=4sin( π )=0
| | 7π 6
| x=2cos( 7π 6 )=− 3
| y=4sin( 7π 6 )=−2
| | 4π 3
| x=2cos( 4π 3 )=−1
| y=4sin( 4π 3 )=−2 3
| | 3π 2
| x=2cos( 3π 2 )=0
| y=4sin( 3π 2 )=−4
| | 5π 3
| x=2cos( 5π 3 )=1
| y=4sin( 5π 3 )=−2 3
| | 11π 6
| x=2cos( 11π 6 )= 3
| y=4sin( 11π 6 )=−2
| | 2π
| x=2cos(2π)=2
| y=4sin( 2π )=0
| {: #Table_08_07_02 summary="Fourteen rows and three columns. First column is labeled t, second column is labeled x(t)=2cos(1), third column is labeled y(t)=4sin(1). The table has ordered triples of each of these row values: (0, x=2cos(0)=2, y=4sin(0)=0), (pi/6, x=2cos(pi/6)=rad3, y=4sin(pi/6)=2), (pi/3, x=2cos(pi/3)=1, y=4sin(pi/3)=2rad3), (pi/2, x=2cos(pi/2)=0, y=4sin(pi/2)=4), (2pi/3, x=2cos(2pi/3)=-1, y=4sin(2pi/3)=2rad3), (5pi/6, x=2cos(5pi/6)=-rad3, y=4sin(5pi/6)=2), (pi, x=2cos(pi)=-2, y=4sin(pi)=0), (7pi/6, x=2cos(7pi/6) = -rad3, y=4sin(7pi/6)=-2), (4pi/3, x=2cos(4pi/3)=-1, y=4sin(4pi/3)=-2rad3), (3pi/2, x=2cos(3pi/2)=0, y=4sin(3pi/2)=-4), (5pi/3, x=2cos(5pi/3)=1, y=4sin(5pi/3)=-2rad3), (11pi/6, x=2cos(11pi/6)=rad3, y=4sin(11pi/6)=-2), (2pi, x=2cos(2pi)=2, y=4sin(2pi)=0)."}
[link] shows the graph.
By the symmetry shown in the values of x
and y,
we see that the parametric equations represent an ellipse{: data-type="term" .no-emphasis}. The ellipse{: data-type="term" .no-emphasis} is mapped in a counterclockwise direction as shown by the arrows indicating increasing t
values.
Make sure to change the mode on the calculator to parametric (PAR). To confirm, the Y=
window should show
and y=2sin t.
First, construct the graph using data points generated from the parametric form{: data-type="term" .no-emphasis}. Then graph the rectangular form{: data-type="term" .no-emphasis} of the equation. Compare the two graphs.
| t
| x=5cos t
| y=2sin t
| |---------- | 0
| x=5cos(0)=5
| y=2sin(0)=0
| | 1
| x=5cos(1)≈2.7
| y=2sin(1)≈1.7
| | 2
| x=5cos(2)≈−2.1
| y=2sin(2)≈1.8
| | 3
| x=5cos(3)≈−4.95
| y=2sin(3)≈0.28
| | 4
| x=5cos(4)≈−3.3
| y=2sin(4)≈−1.5
| | 5
| x=5cos(5)≈1.4
| y=2sin(5)≈−1.9
| | −1
| x=5cos(−1)≈2.7
| y=2sin(−1)≈−1.7
| | −2
| x=5cos(−2)≈−2.1
| y=2sin(−2)≈−1.8
| | −3
| x=5cos(−3)≈−4.95
| y=2sin(−3)≈−0.28
| | −4
| x=5cos(−4)≈−3.3
| y=2sin(−4)≈1.5
| | −5
| x=5cos(−5)≈1.4
| y=2sin(−5)≈1.9
| {: #Table_08_07_03 summary="Twelve rows and three columns. First column is labeled t, second column is labeled x(t)=5cos(t), third column is labeled y(t) = 2sin(t). The table has ordered triples of each of these row values: (0, x=5cos(0)=5, y=2sin(0)=0), (1, x=5cos(1) =approx 2.7, y=2sin(1) =approx 1.7), (2, x=5cos(2) =approx -2.1, y=2sin(2) =approx 1.8), (3, x=5cos(3) =approx -4.95, y=2sin(3) =approx 0.28), (4, x=5cos(4) =approx -3.3, y=2sin(4) =approx -1.5), (5, x=5cos(5) =approx 1.4, y=2sin(5) =approx -1.9), (-1, x=5cos(-1) =approx 2.7, y=2sin(-1) =approx -1.7), (-2, x=5cos(-2) =approx -2.1, y=2sin(-2) =approx -1.8), (-3, x=5cos(-3) =approx -4.95, y=2sin(-3) =approx -0.28), (-4, x=5cos(-4) =approx -3.3, y=2sin(-4) =approx 1.5), (-5, x=5cos(-5) =approx 1.4, y=2sin(-5) =approx 1.9)."}
Plot the ( x,y )
values from the table. See [link].
Next, translate the parametric equations to rectangular form. To do this, we solve for t
in either x( t )
or y( t ),
and then substitute the expression for t
in the other equation. The result will be a function y( x )
if solving for t
as a function of x,
or x(y)
if solving for t
as a function of y.
and y= t , t≥0,
and the rectangular equivalent y= x−1
on the same coordinate system.
on the same grid, as in [link].
restricted, we only plot positive values of t.
The parametric data is graphed in blue and the graph of the rectangular equation is dashed in red. Once again, we see that the two forms overlap.
Many of the advantages of parametric equations become obvious when applied to solving real-world problems. Although rectangular equations in x and y give an overall picture of an object's path, they do not reveal the position of an object at a specific time. Parametric equations, however, illustrate how the values of x and y change depending on t, as the location of a moving object at a particular time.
A common application of parametric equations is solving problems involving projectile motion. In this type of motion, an object is propelled forward in an upward direction forming an angle of θ
to the horizontal, with an initial speed of v 0 ,
and at a height h
above the horizontal.
The path of an object propelled at an inclination of θ
to the horizontal, with initial speed v 0 ,
and at a height h
above the horizontal, is given by
where g
accounts for the effects of gravity{: data-type="term" .no-emphasis} and h
is the initial height of the object. Depending on the units involved in the problem, use g=32 ft / s 2
or g=9.8 m / s 2 .
The equation for x
gives horizontal distance, and the equation for y
gives the vertical distance.
-
The horizontal distance is given by x=( v 0 cos θ )t.
Substitute the initial speed of the object for v 0 .
-
The expression cos θ
indicates the angle at which the object is propelled. Substitute that angle in degrees for cos θ.
-
The vertical distance is given by the formula y=− 1 2 g t 2 +( v 0 sin θ )t+h.
The term − 1 2 g t 2
represents the effect of gravity. Depending on units involved, use g=32 ft/s 2
or g=9.8 m/s 2 .
Again, substitute the initial speed for v 0 ,
and the height at which the object was propelled for h.
-
Proceed by calculating each term to solve for t. {: type="1"}
to the horizontal, making contact 3 feet above the ground.
- Find the parametric equations to model the path of the baseball.
- Where is the ball after 2 seconds?
- How long is the ball in the air?
- Is it a home run? {: type="a"}
Thus,
<div data-type="equation" class="unnumbered" data-label="">
<math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="block"> <mrow> <mtable columnalign="left"> <mtr columnalign="left"> <mtd columnalign="left"> <mrow> <mi>x</mi><mo>=</mo><mo stretchy="false">(</mo><msub> <mi>v</mi> <mn>0</mn> </msub> <mi>cos</mi><mtext> </mtext><mi>θ</mi><mo stretchy="false">)</mo><mi>t</mi> </mrow> </mtd> </mtr> <mtr columnalign="left"> <mtd columnalign="left"> <mrow> <mi>x</mi><mo>=</mo><mo stretchy="false">(</mo><mn>140</mn><mi>cos</mi><mo stretchy="false">(</mo><mn>45°</mn><mo stretchy="false">)</mo><mo stretchy="false">)</mo><mi>t</mi> </mrow> </mtd> </mtr> </mtable> </mrow> </math>
</div>
The vertical position is found using the parametric equation for<math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML"> <mrow> <mtext> </mtext><mi>y</mi><mo>.</mo><mtext> </mtext> </mrow> </math>
Thus,
<div data-type="equation" class="unnumbered" data-label="">
<math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="block"> <mrow> <mtable columnalign="left"> <mtr columnalign="left"> <mtd columnalign="left"> <mrow /> </mtd> </mtr> <mtr columnalign="left"> <mtd columnalign="left"> <mrow> <mtable columnalign="left"> <mtr columnalign="left"> <mtd columnalign="left"> <mrow> <mi>y</mi><mo>=</mo><mo>−</mo><mn>16</mn><msup> <mi>t</mi> <mn>2</mn> </msup> <mo>+</mo><mo stretchy="false">(</mo><msub> <mi>v</mi> <mn>0</mn> </msub> <mi>sin</mi><mtext> </mtext><mi>θ</mi><mo stretchy="false">)</mo><mi>t</mi><mo>+</mo><mi>h</mi> </mrow> </mtd> </mtr> <mtr columnalign="left"> <mtd columnalign="left"> <mrow> <mi>y</mi><mo>=</mo><mo>−</mo><mn>16</mn><msup> <mi>t</mi> <mn>2</mn> </msup> <mo>+</mo><mo stretchy="false">(</mo><mn>140</mn><mi>sin</mi><mo stretchy="false">(</mo><mn>45°</mn><mo stretchy="false">)</mo><mo stretchy="false">)</mo><mi>t</mi><mo>+</mo><mn>3</mn> </mrow> </mtd> </mtr> </mtable> </mrow> </mtd> </mtr> </mtable> </mrow> </math>
</div>
-
Substitute 2 into the equations to find the horizontal and vertical positions of the ball.
x=(140cos(45°))(2) x=198 feet y=−16 (2) 2 +(140sin(45°))(2)+3 y=137 feetAfter 2 seconds, the ball is 198 feet away from the batter’s box and 137 feet above the ground.
-
To calculate how long the ball is in the air, we have to find out when it will hit ground, or when y=0.
Thus,
y=−16 t 2 +( 140sin( 45 ∘ ) )t+3 y=0 Set y(t)=0 and solve the quadratic. t=6.2173When t=6.2173
seconds, the ball has hit the ground. (The quadratic equation can be solved in various ways, but this problem was solved using a computer math program.)
-
We cannot confirm that the hit was a home run without considering the size of the outfield, which varies from field to field. However, for simplicity’s sake, let’s assume that the outfield wall is 400 feet from home plate in the deepest part of the park. Let’s also assume that the wall is 10 feet high. In order to determine whether the ball clears the wall, we need to calculate how high the ball is when x = 400 feet. So we will set x = 400, solve for t,
and input t
into y.
x=( 140cos(45°) )t 400=( 140cos(45°) )t t=4.04 y=−16 (4.04) 2 +( 140sin(45°) )(4.04)+3 y=141.8The ball is 141.8 feet in the air when it soars out of the ballpark. It was indeed a home run. See [link]. {: type="a"}
-
When there is a third variable, a third parameter on which x
and y
depend, parametric equations can be used.
-
To graph parametric equations by plotting points, make a table with three columns labeled t,x( t ),
and y(t).
Choose values for t
in increasing order. Plot the last two columns for x
and y.
-
When graphing a parametric curve by plotting points, note the associated t-values and show arrows on the graph indicating the orientation of the curve. See [link] and [link].
-
Parametric equations allow the direction or the orientation of the curve to be shown on the graph. Equations that are not functions can be graphed and used in many applications involving motion. See [link].
-
Projectile motion depends on two parametric equations: x=( v 0 cos θ)t
and y=−16 t 2 +( v 0 sin θ)t+h.
Initial velocity is symbolized as v 0 . θ
represents the initial angle of the object when thrown, and h
represents the height at which the object is propelled.
For the following exercises, graph each set of parametric equations by making a table of values. Include the orientation on the graph.
t | x | y |
−3 | ||
−2 | ||
−1 | ||
0 | ||
1 | ||
2 | ||
3 |
t | −3 | −2 | −1 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
x | ||||||
y |
t | −2 | −1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
x | ||||||
y |
t | −3 | −2 | −1 | 0 | 1 |
x | |||||
y |
t | −2 | −1 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
x | |||||
y |
t | −2 | −1 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
x | |||||
y |
For the following exercises, sketch the curve and include the orientation.
For the following exercises, graph the equation and include the orientation. Then, write the Cartesian equation.
For the following exercises, graph the equation and include the orientation.
For the following exercises, use the parametric equations for integers a and b:
where a=2
and b=1,
and include the orientation.
where a=3
and b=2
, and include the orientation.
where a=4
and b=3
, and include the orientation.
where a=5
and b=4
, and include the orientation.
is 1 more than b,
describe the effect the values of a
and b
have on the graph of the parametric equations.
and b=99.
is 1 more than a?
Describe the graph.
and y( t )=6−3t
have the graph of a horizontal parabola opening to the right, what would change the direction of the curve?
equation.
For the following exercises, describe the graph of the set of parametric equations.
and y( t )
is linear
and x( t )
is linear
and x( t )
is linear
radius 5, and a counterclockwise orientation.
major axis of length 10, minor axis of length 6, and a counterclockwise orientation.
For the following exercises, use a graphing utility to graph on the window [ −3,3 ]
by [ −3,3 ]
on the domain [0,2π)
for the following values of a
and b
, and include the orientation.
For the following exercises, look at the graphs that were created by parametric equations of the form { x(t)=acos(bt) y(t)=csin(dt) .
Use the parametric mode on the graphing calculator to find the values of a,b,c,
and d
to achieve each graph.
For the following exercises, use a graphing utility to graph the given parametric equations.
-
{ x(t)=cost−1 y(t)=sint+t
-
{ x(t)=cost+t y(t)=sint−1
-
{ x( t )=t−sint y( t )=cost−1 {: type="a"}
and cos t
.
-intercept changes.
, while the object moves horizontally with constant velocity 15 ft/s. Write parametric equations for the object’s position, and then eliminate time to write height as a function of horizontal position.
Write parametric equations for the ball’s position, and then eliminate time to write height as a function of horizontal position.
For the following exercises, use this scenario: A dart is thrown upward with an initial velocity of 65 ft/s at an angle of elevation of 52°. Consider the position of the dart at any time t.
Neglect air resistance.
that represent the situation.
For the following exercises, look at the graphs of each of the four parametric equations. Although they look unusual and beautiful, they are so common that they have names, as indicated in each exercise. Use a graphing utility to graph each on the indicated domain.
on the domain [0,2π]
.
on the domain [0,2π]
.
on the domain [0,2π]
.
on the domain [0,2π]
.