Steply

Graph x = -t, y = t^2 + 1

Step by step, with the reason for every step · Parametric equations · Precalculus

Step by step

The question

Question: graph and remove t from x = −t, y = t² + 1.

x = −t and y = t2 + 1

1 Make a table

Each t gives a point.

Start with t = −2.

x is −(−2): 2.

t = −2: x = −(−2) = 2

y is (−2)² + 1: 5.

Minus times minus is plus.

y = (−2)² + 1 = 5

Put the t's in a table.

Work out x for each t,

2
1
0
−1
−2

and y for each t.

5
2
1
2
5

2 Plot the points

Draw the grid.

Put each (x, y) on the grid.

3 Join in order of t

Join the points in order: t = −2, then −1, and on.

The arrows show the way t grows.

t can go on, so the curve goes on.

4 Remove t

−t is x.

So t = −x: change the sign.

t = −x

Put t into y = t² + 1, with its bracket: y = (−x)² + 1.

y = (−x)2 + 1

Careful!

The whole of −x is squared, not only the last number.

So it keeps its bracket.

Careful: not y = x² + 1 ✗

A minus squared is plus: y = x² + 1.

y = x2 + 1

5 Check

Let's check with a point from the table: t = 2 gave (−2, 5).

Put x = −2 into the answer.

We get y = 5, the same as the table.

Right!

x = −2: y = (−2)² + 1 = 5

Let's look back.

First: make a table.

Then: plot the points.

Then: join in order of t.

Then: remove t.

Last: check.

Answer
y = x2 + 1

Your turn

Try this one yourself, then check:

Graph and remove t from x = −t, y = t² + 3
Show the answer
y = x2 + 3

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