Parameterization gives us the ability to represent more complex geometric figures using a set of simpler, continuous functions. In the context of our circle, parameterization uses a parameter, typically \(\theta\) or \(t\), to express the \(x\) and \(y\) coordinates as functions of this parameter.For a given circle with center \((1,1)\) and radius 3, parameterizing involves setting:
- \(x(t) = 1 + 3 \cos(2\pi t)\)
- \(y(t) = 1 + 3 \sin(2\pi t)\)
Here, the use of \(2\pi t\) ensures that as \(t\) goes from 0 to 1, \(\theta\) goes from 0 to \(2\pi\), covering the full circle counter-clockwise in exactly one cycle. This parameterization effectively ties the geometric properties of the circle to a time-like variable, allowing us to delineate exact positions along the circle's path.