A-level · Coordinate geometry

Parametric curvesExam-style questions

Defining a curve by parametric equations x = f(t), y = g(t), finding the coordinates of points on the curve, finding the parameter value at a given point, and reading off the range of x- and y-values from the domain of t.

15 questions · A-level level · mark scheme and worked solution on each · no sign-up to try

DifficultyAllLevel 2Level 3
  1. 1
    A curve has parametric equations x=3t, y=t2+1x = 3t,\ y = t^2 + 1.
    (a) Find the coordinates of the points where t=2t = 2 and t=−1t = -1.
    (b) The curve passes through the point (12,k)(12, k). Find the value of tt there and the value of kk.
    Level 2 · 4 marksTry it
  2. 2
    A curve has parametric equations x=t−2, y=t2+tx = t - 2,\ y = t^2 + t. Find the coordinates of the points on the curve where t=−2, 0, 1t = -2,\ 0,\ 1 and 33.
    Level 2 · 2 marksTry it
  3. 3
    A curve has parametric equations x=2t−1,  y=t2+3x = 2t - 1, \; y = t^{2} + 3.
    (a) Find the coordinates of the point where t=2t = 2. (1 mark)
    (b) Find the value of yy at the point where x=5x = 5. (2 marks)
    Level 2 · 3 marksTry it