Multivariable Calculus, 7th Edition

Published by Brooks Cole
ISBN 10: 0-53849-787-4
ISBN 13: 978-0-53849-787-9

Chapter 10 - Parametric Equations and Polar Coordinates - 10.1 Exercises - Page 667: 42

Answer

$\left\{\begin{array}{l} x=a\sec\theta\\ y=b\sin\theta \end{array}\right.$

Work Step by Step

Point P has coordinates $(x_{P}, y_{P}).$ A lies on the outer circle with radius a: $(x_{A},y_{A})=(a\cos\theta, a\sin\theta)$ The y-coordinate of p is the same as the y-coordinate on the smaller circle, $ y_{P}=b\sin\theta$ The x-coordinate of P is the x-coordinate of B. With the right angle at A, $\triangle \mathrm{O}\mathrm{A}\mathrm{B}$ is a right triangle, OB is the hypotenuse, and $\displaystyle \frac{|OB|}{|OA|}=\sec\theta$, so $x_{B}=a\sec\theta=x_{P}$ We have $P=(a\sec\theta,b\sin\theta)$, and the parametric equations are $\left\{\begin{array}{l} x=a\sec\theta\\ y=b\sin\theta \end{array}\right.$
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.