Quick questions on Defining curves parametrically and eliminating the parameter

2short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.

What is eliminating the parameter by algebra?

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To get the ordinary Cartesian equation of the curve, eliminate the parameter: remove

t

so that only

x

and

y

remain. The reliable method when one equation is easy to invert is:

What is eliminating the parameter, stage by stage?

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The full routine, plot then eliminate, is best seen as a short sequence. Take the parabola

x = 2t

y = t^2

and build it step by step.

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