# Help with Area of parametric equations problem

1. Jul 1, 2008

### Mcbrown108

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

Find the area of the region enclosed by the parametric equation
x=t^3-8t
y=2t^2

3. The attempt at a solution
I am not even sure how to start this problem.
I read somewhere that to start with you solve for t in one of the equations.
when i solve for t I end up with really weird equations.

Can anyone help?

2. Jul 1, 2008

### gamesguru

There must be more information, does it say how the region is enclosed? I'm assuming it's with the x axis. Always be sure to include all the information in the question.

3. Jul 1, 2008

### Mcbrown108

That is all that is given to me. I thought I was missing some information as well.

4. Jul 1, 2008

### HallsofIvy

Oh, that's really, really wierd! I was all set to agree with gamesguru but, just to make sure, I graphed it on my TI-83. That is a closed curve with t going from $-\sqrt{8}$ to $\sqrt{8}$.

You should be able to find the area by using the fact that
$$\int y(x)dx= \int y(t)\frac{dx}{dt}dt$$

Last edited by a moderator: Jul 2, 2008