Definition of

Parametric Equations

Parametric Equations

A set of functions linked by one or more independent variables (called the parameters).

For example, here are two functions linked by the parameter "t":
• x = cos(t)
• y = sin(t)

As t goes from 0 to 2π the x and y values make a circle!
at t=0: x=1 and y=0 (the right side of the circle)
at t=π/2: x=0 and y=1 (the top of the circle)
at t=π: x=−1 and y=0 (the left side of the circle)
etc.

Parametric Equations are very useful for defining curves, surfaces, etc