How Do I Convert Circular Parametric Equations Using Arc Length as a Parameter?

  • Thread starter Thread starter waealu
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Parametric
Join the discussion
Ask a follow-up here, or get your own question answered by working scientists, mathematicians and engineers — people, not an autocomplete.
Real named experts · corrections over time · the nuance an AI answer skips
3 replies · 1K views
waealu
Messages
36
Reaction score
0
For an assignment, I am supposed to find the parametric equation for the circle:
x^2+y^2=a^2,
using as a parameter the arc length, s, measured counterclockwise from the point (a,0) to the point (x,y).

I understand that the parametric equation for a circle is x=a*cos(t) and y=a*sin(t), but I'm not sure what they are asking me to do in this problem.

Would anyone be able to get me started on this problem?

Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Nevermind, I was able to figure it out. They are looking for x=a*cos([itex]\Theta[/itex])=a*cos(s/a) and y=a*sin([itex]\Theta[/itex])=a*sin(s/a).

Thanks, though.