Solution

ID: past-exam-of-the-mathematics-course-of-the-year-1-of-the-natural-sciences-course-of-the-university-of-cambridge/2004/paper-1/10/c/ii/solution

For , the hyperbolic identity gives . The hyperbolic parametrization of a hyperbola also imposes , so the exact traced locus is
It is only one branch: the right branch for and the left branch for . Its vertex is and its asymptotes are . If , , the entire vertical axis is traced. If , , the locus is the ray , . Both zero give the origin.
Figure 1.
A trigonometric ellipse and the single hyperbolic branch traced by real parameters
. Original example with . The ellipse is closed, whereas traces only the right branch of the hyperbola. Dashed lines show its two asymptotes. Details.

New to topics? Read the docs here!