Skip to main content
Ch.12 - Parametric and Polar Curves
Briggs - Calculus: Early Transcendentals 3rd Edition
Briggs3rd EditionCalculus: Early TranscendentalsISBN: 9780136847243Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksBriggs 3rd EditionCh.12 - Parametric and Polar CurvesProblem 12.1.69a
Chapter 12, Problem 12.1.69a

67–72. Derivatives Consider the following parametric curves.
a. Determine dy/dx in terms of t and evaluate it at the given value of t.


x = cos t, y = 8 sin t; t = π/2

Verified step by step guidance
1
Recall that for parametric curves defined by \(x = x(t)\) and \(y = y(t)\), the derivative \(\frac{dy}{dx}\) can be found using the chain rule as \(\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{\frac{dy}{dt}}{\frac{dx}{dt}}\).
Given the parametric equations \(x = \cos t\) and \(y = 8 \sin t\), compute the derivatives with respect to \(t\): \(\frac{dx}{dt} = -\sin t\) and \(\frac{dy}{dt} = 8 \cos t\).
Substitute these derivatives into the formula for \(\frac{dy}{dx}\) to get \(\frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{8 \cos t}{-\sin t} = -8 \frac{\cos t}{\sin t}\).
Evaluate \(\frac{dy}{dx}\) at the given value \(t = \frac{\pi}{2}\) by substituting \(t\) into the expression \(-8 \frac{\cos t}{\sin t}\).
Simplify the expression after substitution to find the slope of the curve at \(t = \frac{\pi}{2}\).

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
2m
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Parametric Equations

Parametric equations express the coordinates of points on a curve as functions of a parameter, often denoted as t. Instead of y as a function of x, both x and y depend on t, allowing the description of more complex curves. Understanding how to work with these equations is essential for analyzing motion and curves in calculus.
Recommended video:
Guided course
08:02
Parameterizing Equations

Derivative of Parametric Curves (dy/dx)

For parametric curves, the derivative dy/dx is found by dividing the derivative of y with respect to t by the derivative of x with respect to t, i.e., (dy/dt) / (dx/dt). This method allows us to find the slope of the tangent line to the curve at a specific parameter value, even when y is not explicitly given as a function of x.
Recommended video:
06:49
Differentiation of Parametric Curves

Evaluating Derivatives at Specific Parameter Values

After finding the general expression for dy/dx in terms of t, evaluating it at a specific value of t gives the slope of the tangent line at that point on the curve. This step involves substituting the given t-value into the derivative expressions and simplifying to find the numerical slope.
Recommended video:
5:10
Evaluate Composite Functions - Values on Unit Circle
Related Practice
Textbook Question

11–14. Working with parametric equations Consider the following parametric equations.

a. Make a brief table of values of t, x, and y.

b. Plot the (x, y) pairs in the table and the complete parametric curve, indicating the positive orientation (the direction of increasing t).


x=−t+6, y=3t−3; −5≤t≤5 

1
views
Textbook Question

51–52. {Use of Tech} Arc length of polar curves Find the approximate length of the following curves.

The limaçon r=3−6cosθ

Textbook Question

Volume of a hyperbolic cap Consider the region R bounded by the right branch of the hyperbola x²/a² - y²/b² = 1 and the vertical line through the right focus.

a. What is the volume of the solid that is generated when R is revolved about the x-axis?

Textbook Question

Explain why or why not Determine whether the following statements are true and give an explanation or counterexample.  


a. The point with Cartesian coordinates (−2, 2) has polar coordinates (2√2, 3π/4), (2√2, 11π/4), (2√2, −5π/4), and (−2√2,−π/4).  

1
views
Textbook Question

67–72. Derivatives Consider the following parametric curves.

a. Determine dy/dx in terms of t and evaluate it at the given value of t.


x = t + 1/t, y = t − 1/t; t = 1

1
views
Textbook Question

(Use of Tech) Finger curves: r = f(θ) = cos(aᶿ) - 1.5, where a = (1 + 12π)^(1/(2π)) ≈ 1.78933

a. Show that f(0) = f(2π) and find the point on the curve that corresponds to θ = 0 and θ = 2π.

1
views