Parametric representation is a way of describing geometric shapes using parameters rather than traditional coordinate equations. In this context, a parameter like \(t\) is used to define the coordinates \((x, y)\) of points on a circle.
For a circle centered at the origin, the parametric form can be:
- \(x(t) = r \cdot \cos(t)\)
- \(y(t) = r \cdot \sin(t)\)
These equations give the coordinates \((x, y)\) based on the angle \(t\), effectively tracing the circle's path as \(t\) varies from 0 to \(2\pi\).
Parametric equations provide flexibility and are often used in computer graphics and physics simulations to model various natural and man-made phenomena. By adjusting the parameter \(t\), you can dynamically explore all points along the circumference of the circle, which is a powerful way to visualize and manipulate shapes.