PARAMETRIC EQUATIONS Graphing Plane Curves (Page 11 of 12)

As a final example, we will graph a hyperbola as a plane curve.  The hyperbola (x-h)^2/a^2-(y-k)^2/b^2 = 1 can be represented by the parametric equations x = asect+h, y = btant+k.

Let's graph the hyperbola (x-1)^2/9-(y+2)^2/16 = 1 specifically. We will use the parametric equations x = 3sect+1, y = 4tant-2. First enter the equations using the function editor.

 Y= key. (Clear any previous functions)

 3 Divide key. COS key. X,T,theta,n key. Right parenthesis key. Plus key. 1 ENTER key.
 4 TAN key. X,T,theta,n key. Right parenthesis key. Minus key. 2

 Calculator screen image.
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