Write-up #10

Teresa Davis and Jenni McIntire

Problem #9


The following are a view of parametric equations given the range of t from 0 to 2 pi. We will look at the pair of functions noted below as the power is squared, cubed, and raised higher. We will also pay particular attention to a and b, when a is equal to b, when a is greater than b, and when a is less than b for each power indicated.

 

Notice in the figures given below, the values of a and b are the same and the power of the function is 1 (odd power). The figure is a circle and the values of a and b correspond with the length of the radii.

 

 

 

 

 

The following figures are for the pair of equations given below. Here the values of a are either greater than b or less than b, but not equal to b. Notice the figures resulting are that of an ellipse. The value given for a corresponds as an x value and the value for b corresponds as a y value.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The pair of equations below are squared (even power). Now the result becomes a straight line where once again the a value corresponds with x and the b value corresponds with y.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now look at the pairs of equations below. Here is the cubed case (odd power). We get a closed figure with more of a concave curve to the shape. I think by now we can settle on the idea that the a values match with x and the b values match with y.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is the case with the 4th power (even power). Notice that we get a curved line.

 

 

 

 

 

The following are equations for you to try. What kind of shape do you think will result for each and where will each value correspond to the x and y axis?

 

1.

2.

3.

 

Scroll below to see if your guesses are correct.

 

 

1.

 

2.

3.

 

CONCLUSION

After exploring graphs of parametric equations of the form there are several conclusions which can be stated:

 

POWERS

ODD POWER: the resulting graph will be a closed figure.

Power of 1: If a is equal to b, then the figure is a circle. If a is greater than or less than b then the figure is an ellipse.

EVEN POWER: the resulting graph will be a segment or curve connecting from the x and y axis for the values which

correspond with a (x-intercept) and b (y-intercept).

Power of 2: The graph will be a sement with the the x and y intercepts matching with the numerical value of a and b.

INCREASE OF POWER: As the powers increase above 2, the figure(s) take on a curve. The graphs become

increasingly more curved as the value of the power continues to increase

 

a and b

The values of a correspond with the x-intercepts for each graph.

The values for b correspond with the y-intercepts for each.

 

 

 


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