TI-83 Plus Parametric Graphing 154
Chapter 4:Parametric Graphing

Getting Started: Path of a Ball

Getting Started is a fast-paced introduction. Read the chapter for details.
Graph the parametric equation that describes the path of a ball hit at an initial
speed of 30 meters per second, at an initial angle of 25 degrees with the
horizontal from ground level. How far does the ball travel? When does it hit the
ground? How high does it go? Ignore all forces except gravity.
For initial velocity v0 and angle q, the position of the ball as a function of time has
horizontal and vertical components.
Horizontal: X1(t)=tv0cos(q) Vertical: Y1(t)=tv0sin(q)N 1
2 gt2
The vertical and horizontal vectors of the ball’s motion also will be graphed.
Vertical vector: X2(t)=0 Y2(t)=Y1(t)
Horizontal vector: X3(t)=X1(t) Y3(t)=0
Gravity constant: g=9.8 m/sec2