Parametric Equations

A new way to describe a curve: give x and y separately, each as a function of a third variable called the parameter. This is the natural language for anything that moves, and it is used again in parametric differentiation and in mechanics.

• An Overview — what a parameter is, how to plot and convert, and the common mistakes

The content statements

• Parametric and Cartesian Forms — converting to Cartesian form (including with trigonometric identities), sketching, intersections, domain and range
• Parametric Modelling — paths of balls, wheels and rides, interpreting the parameter, and restricting its values

---

Each page has step-by-step notes, several worked examples, a quick-reference grid and ten practice questions with fully worked solutions.