Parametric Equations, Polar Coordinates, and Vector-Valued Functions
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In this unit, students will build on their understanding of straight-line motion to solve problems in which particles are moving along curves in the plane. Students will define parametric equations and vector-valued functions to describe planar motion and apply calculus to solve motion problems. Students will learn that polar equations are a special case of parametric equations and will apply calculus to analyze graphs and determine lengths and areas.