Graph and identify the kind of conic the graph represents:

Question

a. x(t)=3 cos t
y(t)=3 sin t
on [0,2pi]

b. x(t) =2 cos t
y(t) =5 sin t
on [1,5]

I tried graphing A on my TI-89 calculator as y(1)=3 cos x and y(2)=3 sin x. All I see are two wave-like graphs crossing each other; I don't see a conic. Did I do something wrong?

Thanks very much!

Answer 1

those are parametric equations - x(t) and y(t).

Go to mode, scroll down until you see "Func" selected. Select "Par" instead.

Now you can graph the equations x(t) and y(t) together.