How Do You Find the Cartesian Equation of a Parametric Curve?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Frankenstein19
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Curves Parametric
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding the Cartesian equation of the parametric curve defined by x=ln(t) and y=1+t^2. The correct approach involves eliminating the parameter t by substituting t=e^x into the equation for y, resulting in y=1+e^(2x). The participant also raises concerns about the domains of parameterization, which must be derived from the original parametric equations rather than the Cartesian forms. The correct domain is established as t must be positive, leading to x being defined for all real numbers.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of parametric equations
  • Knowledge of logarithmic and exponential functions
  • Familiarity with domain and range concepts
  • Basic calculus, specifically differentiation
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the process of eliminating parameters in parametric equations
  • Learn about the properties of logarithmic and exponential functions
  • Explore domain and range determination for functions
  • Review differentiation techniques, particularly for parametric curves
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus, particularly those focusing on parametric equations and their conversion to Cartesian forms, as well as educators seeking to clarify these concepts for their students.

Frankenstein19
Messages
56
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Consider the parametric curve
x=ln(t) and
y= 1+t^2

i need to eliminate the parameter to find the cartesian equation

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



if i solve for t using x I get that t=e^x
but if i solve for t using y i get t=(y-1)^(1/2)

when i plug in x into y i get that y=1+e^2x

but plugging y into x i get that x= ln(y-1)^(1/2)

both of which have different domains of parameterization and i need to find the domain of parameterization

how can i know which to use? which is the correct one?

then part b says that: "since dx/dt=______ it is _____ along the domain of parameterization, the curve goes through ________________" I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT TO PUT THERE

because i thought i had to just put like dx/dt= 1/t and then i thought i had to put concave up or down but if i use y=1+e^x^2's domain i can't do that
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Frankenstein19 said:
both of which have different domains of parameterization
I don't think they do.

Check your work. If, having done that, you still think that the two approaches give different domains, post your reasons why.
 
Frankenstein19 said:

Homework Statement


Consider the parametric curve
x=ln(t) and
y= 1+t^2

i need to eliminate the parameter to find the cartesian equation

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



if i solve for t using x I get that t=e^x
but if i solve for t using y i get t=(y-1)^(1/2)
Don't solve the second equation for t- just replace the "t" in the second equation by e^x.

when i plug in x into y i get that y=1+e^2x
You mean y= 1+ e^(2x) but, yes, that is correct.

but plugging y into x i get that x= ln(y-1)^(1/2)]

both of which have different domains of parameterization and i need to find the domain of parameterization

how can i know which to use? which is the correct one?
You get the "domains of parameterization from the original parametric equations, not from the Cartesian equations.
x= ln(t) so t must be positive.

[/quote]then part b says that: "since dx/dt=______ it is _____ along the domain of parameterization, the curve goes through ________________" I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT TO PUT THERE

because i thought i had to just put like dx/dt= 1/t and then i thought i had to put concave up or down but if i use y=1+e^x^2's domain i can't do that[/QUOTE]
Does "it" refer to the graph of the Cartesian equation? You had previously determined that that function was y= 1+ e^(2x), NOT y= 1+ e^(x^2).
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K