In Exercises 11–20, use a polar coordinate system like the one shown for Exercises 1–10 to plot each point with the given polar coordinates. (−2, − π/2)
Ch. 5 - Complex Numbers, Polar Coordinates and Parametric Equations

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Blitzer 3rd Edition
Ch. 5 - Complex Numbers, Polar Coordinates and Parametric Equations
Problem 21
Blitzer 3rd Edition
Ch. 5 - Complex Numbers, Polar Coordinates and Parametric Equations
Problem 21Chapter 5, Problem 21
In Exercises 21–40, eliminate the parameter t. Then use the rectangular equation to sketch the plane curve represented by the given parametric equations. Use arrows to show the orientation of the curve corresponding to increasing values of t. (If an interval for t is not specified, assume that −∞ < t < ∞. x = t, y = 2t
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Identify the given parametric equations: \(x = t\) and \(y = 2t\).
Express the parameter \(t\) in terms of \(x\) from the first equation: \(t = x\).
Substitute \(t = x\) into the second equation to eliminate the parameter: \(y = 2x\).
Recognize that the rectangular equation \(y = 2x\) represents a straight line with slope 2 passing through the origin.
To sketch the curve, draw the line \(y = 2x\) on the coordinate plane and add arrows pointing in the direction of increasing \(t\) (which corresponds to increasing \(x\) and \(y\) values).

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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, usually t. Instead of y as a direct function of x, both x and y depend on t, allowing representation of more complex curves and motions.
Recommended video:
Parameterizing Equations
Eliminating the Parameter
Eliminating the parameter involves rewriting the parametric equations to form a single equation in x and y. This is done by solving one equation for t and substituting into the other, converting the parametric form into a rectangular (Cartesian) equation.
Recommended video:
Eliminating the Parameter
Orientation of Parametric Curves
Orientation indicates the direction in which the curve is traced as the parameter t increases. Arrows on the graph show this direction, helping to understand the motion or progression along the curve over the parameter's interval.
Recommended video:
Introduction to Parametric Equations
Related Practice
Textbook Question
4
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Textbook Question
In Exercises 21–28, divide and express the result in standard form. 2 / 3 - i
Textbook Question
In Exercises 21–28, divide and express the result in standard form.
3 / 4+i
2
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Textbook Question
In Exercises 9–20, use point plotting to graph the plane curve described by the given parametric equations. Use arrows to show the orientation of the curve corresponding to increasing values of t. x = 2t, y = |t − 1|; −∞ < t < ∞
Textbook Question
In Exercises 13–34, test for symmetry and then graph each polar equation. r = 1 + 2 cos θ
Textbook Question
In Exercises 21–26, use a polar coordinate system like the one shown for Exercises 1–10 to plot each point with the given polar coordinates. Then find another representation of this point in which
a. r>0, 2π < θ < 4π.
b. r<0, 0. < θ < 2π.
c. r>0, −2π. < θ < 0.
(5, π/6)