Article
Article
Parametric equation
Article By:
Taylor, Angus E. Department of Mathematics, University of California, Berkeley, California.
Last reviewed:August 2019
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.488000
A type of mathematical equation used, typically, to represent curves in a plane or in space of three dimensions. In principle, however, there is no limitation to any particular number of dimensions. A parameter is actually an independent variable. In elementary analytic geometry a curve in the xy plane is often studied, in the first instance, as the locus of an equation y = F(x) or G(x, y) = 0. The form y = F(x) is not adequate for the complete representation of certain curves, whereas the form G(x,y) = 0 may be adequate. The circle x2 + y2 − 16 = 0 affords an example. But the form G(x,y) = 0 is not always convenient. The parametric form x = f(t), y = g(t) is often the most convenient; it is often the naturally occurring form of representation of the curve. For the circle x2 + y2 − 16 = 0, one possible parametric representation is x = 4 cos t and y = 4 sin t.
The content above is only an excerpt.
About AccessScience
AccessScience provides the most accurate and trustworthy scientific information available.
Recognized as an award-winning gateway to scientific knowledge, AccessScience is an amazing online resource that contains high-quality reference material written specifically for students. Contributors include more than 10,000 highly qualified scientists and 46 Nobel Prize winners.
MORE THAN 8700 articles covering all major scientific disciplines and encompassing the McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science & Technology and McGraw-Hill Yearbook of Science & Technology
115,000-PLUS definitions from the McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms
3000 biographies of notable scientific figures
MORE THAN 19,000 downloadable images and animations illustrating key topics
ENGAGING VIDEOS highlighting the life and work of award-winning scientists
SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER STUDY and additional readings to guide students to deeper understanding and research
LINKS TO CITABLE LITERATURE help students expand their knowledge using primary sources of information
