Skip Parametric equations in Trig?

[Kendall]

I am teaching my 11th and 12th grader precalc/trig using the Foerster text (2nd edition).  One of them struggles to understand new, foreign-looking concepts and I would say parametric equations will fall into that category. She will only need College Algebra and Stats I in college. 

What are your thoughts on the value of wrestling with this topic for this kind of student? I'm thinking of using these days for review and teaching the parametric equations to the other one who will go on to AP Calc next year and possibly a science major.

Thanks,

Kendall

 

 

 

[almondbutterandjelly]

I have a bachelor's degree in math and some graduate-level math courses, and I had never heard the phrase "Parametric Equations" until you mentioned it.  I googled it, and I may have worked with them ever so slightly in my courses, maybe.  I have no specific memories of them.  So my vote is skip 'em!

[Kendall]

Thank you!

 

[kokotg]

DH, who teaches calc and pre-calc, says it makes sense to him to skip it in that situation. "You can certainly get through life without knowing parametric equations." But now he's waxing poetic about how it's a good way to point out how flexible math can be (I have no idea what a parametric equation is, so I'm not really listening). He also says that, while he teaches them in pre-calc, other teachers at his school sometimes skip them.

[Caroline]

They are required for AP Calculus BC.