Question

A clown is juggling at a circus. The path of a ball is given by the parametric equations x=2 cos T + 2 and y = 3 sin T + 3. In what direction is the ball moving?

Up and to the right
counterclockwise
down and to the right
clockwise

After graphing it and observing its transformation, it seems to be clockwise but I just want to be sure and have someone check my work. If it's wrong, can someone please explain to me why the correct answer would be correct.

Answer 1

well,

x starts at a max and decreases
y starts at the center point and increases.

if that doesn't help, note that the ball is moving

from (4,3) toward (2,6)

care to try again?

Answer 2

would it be Down and to the right?

Answer 3

no!!

it is an ellipse. when t=0 you are at the right side, ready to move up and to the left: counterclockwise.

http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=plot+x%3D2cost%2B2,+y%3D3sint%2B3,+t%3D0+to+pi%2F2

better review how to plot points!

Answer 4

Thank you Steve!