Worked solution
Eliminate t using a cancelling linear combination
Find the cartesian equation of the curve with parametric equations: , . marks
[2008/CJC/JC1/MYE/2]
CJC · Review problems · Question 1
Answer
.
Cancel the reciprocal terms
Dividing the x-equation by 2 gives . Adding the y-equation gives , so
The original equations require .
How did this part go?
Substitute and clear the denominator
Multiplying gives , hence
How did this part go?
Check the eliminated restriction
The result factors as , so no real point on it can have . Thus the original nonzero-t restriction is automatically enforced; no extra component was introduced when clearing the denominator.
How did this part go?
Common mistakes
Multiplying by an expression requires checking that its zero set has not been added.
Solution notes
Printed elimination and Cartesian equation retained; the nonzero-parameter check is added to make the equivalence explicit.