# GraphicMaths

Visualising maths

## Parabolas - effect of parameter ‘a’

This section looks at the effect of changing the parameter $a$ in the Cartesian equation of the parabola $y^2 = 4 a x$. Changing the value of $a$ moves the position of the focus and the directrix, which in turn changes the curve. The smaller the value of $a$, the closer the focus and directrix are to the origin. Use the buttons to set the value of $a$ to different values, and see the effect on the curve. Read more →

## Parabolas

We have previously seen how a parabola is defined in terms of parametric equations or alternatively in Cartesian form. An alternative way to define a parabola is as a locus of points. Focus and directrix The locus defining a parabola depends on a focus and a directrix. The focus is a point. For a standard parabola, the focus is located on the x axis a distance $a$ from the origin, that is at the point (a, 0). Read more →

## Lissajous figures

A simple Lissajous figure can be created using the parametric equations: \begin{align} x = sin(a t)\\ y = sin(b t) \end{align} This animated graph shows how $x$ and $y$ vary with $t$ to create the curve. We are using $a = 3$ and $b = 2$: The curve is cyclical. As $t$ varies from 0 to 2π radians, the curve traces a complete cycle and returns to the start point (0, 0). Read more →

## Other parametric curves

There are many other interesting parametric curves, in addition to parabolas, hyperbolas and ellipses. Some are show in this section. Read more →

## Cartesian equation of a rectangular hyperbola

We can convert the parametric equation of a hyperbola into a Cartesian equation (one involving only $x$ and $y$ but not $t$). Here are the parametric equations: \begin{align} x = c t\\ y = \frac{c}{t} \end{align} We can eliminate $t$ from these equations simply by multiplying $x$ and $y$: \begin{align} x y &= c t \times \frac{c}{t}\\ x y &= \frac{c^2 t}{t}\\ x y &= c^2 \end{align} Read more →

## Rectangular hyperbola

A rectangular hyperbola has the parametric equations: \begin{align} x = c t\\ y = \frac{c}{t} \end{align} Where $c$ is a positive constant, and $t$ is the independent variable. We can plot this curve by calculating the values of $x$ and $y$ for various values of $t$, and drawing a smooth curve through them. Curve for c = 1 Assuming $a = 1$, the parametric equations simplify to: Read more →

## Cartesian equation of a parabola

We can convert the parametric equation of a parabola into a Cartesian equation (one involving only $x$ and $y$ but not $t$). Here are the parametric equations: \begin{align} x = a t^2\\ y = 2 a t \end{align} We can eliminate $t$ from these equations by first finding $t$ as a function of $y$: \begin{align} y = 2 a t\\ t = \frac{y}{2 a} \end{align} Read more →

## Parabolas

A parabola is a curve with the parametric equations: \begin{align} x = a t^2\\ y = 2 a t \end{align} Where $a$ is a positive constant, and $t$ is the independent variable. We can plot this curve by calculating the values of $x$ and $y$ for various values of $t$, and drawing a smooth curve through them. Curve for a = 1 Assuming $a = 1$, the parametric equations simplify to: Read more →

## Parametric equations

We often define a curve by expression $x$ as a function of $y$: $$y = f(x)$$ Using parametric equations we define the $x$ and $y$ coordinates of the points on the curve in terms of an independent variable, which we will call $t$: \begin{align} x = g(t)\\ y = h(t) \end{align} For any value of $t$, a value of $x$ and $y$ can be calculated, and the point $(x, y)$ will lie on the curve. Read more →