parametric equation

mathematics
Feedback
Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login).
Thank you for your feedback

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

Related Topics:
parameter
equation

parametric equation, a type of equation that employs an independent variable called a parameter (often denoted by t) and in which dependent variables are defined as continuous functions of the parameter and are not dependent on another existing variable. More than one parameter can be employed when necessary. For instance, instead of the equation y = x2, which is in Cartesian form, the same equation can be described as a pair of equations in parametric form: x = t and y = t2. This conversion to parametric form is called parameterization, which provides great efficiency when differentiating and integrating curves. ...(100 of 350 words)