## eliminate parameter in parametric equation

so the question is:

eliminate the parameter in the pair of parametric equations

x = h + a secθ
y = k + b tanθ

to find the corresponding rectangular equation.

im taking an online course of calculus and i cant find an explanation of how to do this anywhere...ive been trying but it just doesnt make sense to me yet....any help?

 PhysOrg.com science news on PhysOrg.com >> Hong Kong launches first electric taxis>> Morocco to harness the wind in energy hunt>> Galaxy's Ring of Fire
 Recognitions: Homework Help Science Advisor sec^2(x)-tan^2(x)=1. So solve for the sec and tan, square and subtract.
 how do i solve for sec and tan? sorry but this calculus thing...its been a while for me

Recognitions:
Homework Help

## eliminate parameter in parametric equation

 Quote by teffy3001 how do i solve for sec and tan? sorry but this calculus thing...its been a while for me
Not a calc question. x=h+a*sec(t), x-h=a*sec(t), (x-h)/a=sec(t). That sort of thing. Remember?

 thanks, so if i do all that...then that answers my first question too?
 Recognitions: Homework Help Science Advisor You will have eliminated theta, right? Isn't that the problem?
 i dont even know...this is so confusing. sorry to bother you with this....
 Recognitions: Homework Help Science Advisor Just try doing it. Solve for sec and tan - then square both expressions and subtract.
 so i would get ((x-h)/a)^2 - ((y-k)/b)^2 = 1 ?
 Recognitions: Homework Help Science Advisor Exactly. That wasn't so bad, was it?
 haha no thanks.