To parametrize the paraboloid defined by z = x^2 + y^2, two common methods are discussed. The first uses two parameters, u and v, where x = u, y = v, and z = u^2 + v^2, allowing for representation of any point on the surface. An example provided shows how to find a specific point on the paraboloid using this method. Alternatively, a single parameter t can be used, with the equations x = t, y = t, and z = 2t^2, yielding a different set of points on the same surface. Various parametrization methods exist, and the choice depends on the specific application.