Parametric curves are mathematical representations of curves in a coordinate system, defined by one or more parameters. Instead of using a single equation, they use a set of equations that express the coordinates of points on the curve as functions of a variable, often denoted as t. This allows for more flexibility in describing complex shapes, such as circles or spirals.
In a parametric curve, each point on the curve corresponds to a specific value of t. For example, the equations x(t) = cos(t) and y(t) = sin(t) describe a circle. By varying t, you can trace the entire curve, making parametric equations useful in fields like computer graphics and physics.