Find parametric equation for ellipse

Thread starter getty102
Start date Jan 27, 2012
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Ellipse Parametric

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To find the parametric equation for the ellipse defined by the equation ((x-2)^2)/4 + ((y+1)^2)/9 = 1, the standard form of the ellipse equation is utilized. The parameters a and b correspond to the semi-major and semi-minor axes, which are 3 and 2 respectively in this case. The parametric equations can be expressed as x = 2 + 2cos(t) and y = -1 + 3sin(t), where t is the parameter. The discussion also emphasizes the relationship between ellipses and circles, suggesting that understanding the parametric equations for circles can aid in deriving those for ellipses. This approach provides a clear method for representing the ellipse parametrically.

Jan 27, 2012

getty102

Homework Statement

Find parametric equation for (((x-2)^2)/4)+(((y+1)^2)/9)=1

Homework Equations

((x^2)/(a^2))+((y^2)/(b^2))=1 (ellipse equation)

The Attempt at a Solution

I tried solving for y which gave me y=(6/(x-2))-1, but that did not work.

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Jan 27, 2012

tiny-tim

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Homework Helper

hi getty10!

hint: an ellipse is a squashed circle

what parametric equation do you know for a circle?

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