http://www.ck12.org Chapter 10. Polar and Parametric Equations
CHAPTER
10 Polar and Parametric Equations
Chapter Outline
10.1 Polar and Rectangular Coordinates
10.2 POLAREQUATIONS OFCONICS
10.3 PARAMETERS ANDPARAMETERELIMINATION
10.4 PARAMETRICINVERSES
10.5 APPLICATIONS OFPARAMETRICEQUATIONS
10.6 REFERENCES
The Cartesian coordinate system with(x,y)coordinates is great for representing some functions and relations, but
is very limiting in some ways. The polar coordinate system allows you to easily graph spirals and other shapes that
are not functions. Parametric equations allow you to have bothxandydepend on a third variablet. Here you will
explore both polar and parametric equations.