Worked solution
Eliminate a positive parameter and retain closed endpoints
The curve is defined by , , .
(i) Sketch for , indicating the coordinates of the endpoints. marks
(ii) Find the cartesian equation of . marks
[2009/ACJC/II/3(modified)]
CJC · Review problems · Question 2
Answer
, ; requested closed segment has endpoints and .
(i) Locate and include the endpoints
The requested segment of increases and is concave down from to . Both endpoints are included. Its parameter interval is .
How did this part go?
(ii) Method 1: exponentiate the logarithm
gives . Then , so and , for the full curve.
How did this part go?
(ii) Method 2: select the positive square root
Since , gives , not a choice of either sign. Thus , . The sketch in (i) uses only .
How did this part go?
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Common mistakes
The full Cartesian curve has x positive; the requested sketch has the narrower interval from 2 to 5.