Math Help - Help wih parametric representation of a function

1. Help wih parametric representation of a function

Hi, I'm stuck trying to obtain the cartesian equation of the function defined parametrically by x=1/2(t+1/t), y=1/2(t-1/t).

The book (Mathematics for Engineers, Croft / Davison) gives x^2 - y^2 = 1 as the answer, but I can't figure out how they got there. Ideas?

2. Re: Help wih parametric representation of a function

Originally Posted by Rascot
Hi, I'm stuck trying to obtain the cartesian equation of the function defined parametrically by x=1/2(t+1/t), y=1/2(t-1/t).

The book (Mathematics for Engineers, Croft / Davison) gives x^2 - y^2 = 1 as the answer, but I can't figure out how they got there. Ideas?
1. Rearrange both equations to:

$2x = t +\frac1t~\wedge~2y=t-\frac1t$

2. Add both sides of the equations:

$2x+2y = 2t~\implies~t = x+y$

3. Replace t in the 1st equation by (x+y):

$x = \frac12 \cdot \left((x+y)+\frac1{x+y} \right)$

4. Expand the brackets and after a few steps of rearranging you'll get the given result.

3. Re: Help wih parametric representation of a function

Perfect! Completely forgot about solving simultaneous equations (probably because they are dealt with later in the book). You have my thanks, sir.

By the way, how do you (and pretty much everyone on this forum) post math symbols as images? Is there a piece of software you guys use?

4. Re: Help wih parametric representation of a function

Originally Posted by Rascot
Perfect! Completely forgot about solving simultaneous equations (probably because they are dealt with later in the book). You have my thanks, sir.

By the way, how do you (and pretty much everyone on this forum) post math symbols as images? Is there a piece of software you guys use?
1. Go to LaTeX Help Forum. You'll find 2 tutorials where you can find how to use the implemented Latex-compiler.

2. If you need the synatx of a Latex command you'll find it probably here: Helpisplaying a formula - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

5. Re: Help wih parametric representation of a function

Hello, Rascot!

Hi, I'm stuck trying to obtain the cartesian equation of the function
. . defined parametrically by: . $\begin{Bmatrix}x &=& \frac{1}{2}(t+\frac{1}{t}) \\ \\[-3mm] y&=& \frac{1}{2}(t-\frac{1}{t}) \end{Bmatrix}$

The book (Mathematics for Engineers, Croft/Davison) gives $x^2 - y^2 \,=\, 1$ as the answer.

Square the equations: . $\begin{Bmatrix}x^2 &=& \frac{t^2}{4} + \frac{1}{2} + \frac{1}{4t^2} & [1] \\ \\[-4mm] y^2 &=& \frac{t^2}{4} - \frac{1}{2} + \frac{1}{4t^2} & [2] \end{Bmatrix}$

Subtract [2] from [1]: . . $x^2 - y^2 \;=\;1$

6. Re: Help wih parametric representation of a function

Thank you both very much for your help. I can't mark the thread as solved, but would kindly ask moderators to do so if they happen to come across it.