Plot parametric equations

Updated 28 Aug 2023

On the Plots tab of the Edit Graph window, you can plot parametric equations to add to a graph created in the Custom Question Builder.

Parametric equations consist of an x component and a y component, each expressed in terms of the same independent variable, t. The equations in the plane are a pair of functions x = f(t) and y = g(t) that describe the x and y coordinates of the graph.

To plot a parametric equation:

  1. Click Add on the Plots tab and select Parametric from the dropdown list.

    A parametric label displays in the box at the top of the window.

  2. Edit the equation using the options below.

x(t) and y(t) - Enter a function for x(t) and y(t) in terms of t in the boxes. Be sure to change x to t in any inserted math functions.

<= t <= - Enter the lower limit for t in the left box, and the upper limit for t in the right box.

In the x(t)=, y(t)=, and <= t <= boxes, you can right-click and choose Editing Options to insert predefined algorithmic values or math functions, or you can type in these values and functions directly. You can also create new algorithmic values.

Color - Click the color code box to display the color chart, and then select the color for your plot line by clicking a color or by entering a color code in the box.

Style - From the dropdown list, select a line style for your plot line.