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Definition of a Parabola
The parabola is defined as the locus of a point which moves so that it
is always the same distance from a fixed point (called the focus) and
a given line (called the directrix).
In the following graph,
The focus of the parabola is at (0, p).
The directrix is the line y = -p.
The focal distance is |p| (Distance from the origin to the focus,
and from the origin to the directrix. We take absolute value
because distance is positive.)
The point (x, y) represents any point on the curve.
The distance d from any point (x, y) to the focus (0, p) is the
same as the distance from (x, y) to the directrix.
[The word locus means the set of points satisfying a given condition.
See some background in Distance from a Point to a Line.]
Now, using the distance formula on the general points (0, p) and (x, y),
and equating it to our value d = y + p, we have
x2 = 4py
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In more familiar form, with "y = " on the left, we can write this as:
Find the focal length and indicate the focus and the directrix on
your graph.
The focal length is found by equating the general expression for y
So we have:
Note: Even though the sides look as though they become straight as
x increases, in fact they do not. The sides of a parabola just get
steeper and steeper (but are never vertical, either).
[Actually, such bridges are normally in the shape of a catenary, but that is
beyond the scope of this chapter.]
y2 = 4px
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[In a relation, there are two or more values of y for each value of x. On the other
hand, a function only has one value of y for each value of x.]
y2 = 4px
Since p = -2 (from the question), we can directly write the equation of
the parabola:
y2 = -8x
(x h)2 = 4p(y k)
Exercises:
1. Sketch x2 = 14y
Solution
x2 = 14y
Focus:
4p = 14;
so
p = 14/4 = 3.5
So the focus is at (0, 3.5)
Directrix: y = -3.5
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2. Find the equation of the parabola having vertex (0,0), axis along the
x-axis and passing through (2,-1).
Solution:
The curve must have this orientation, since we know it has horizontal
axis and passes through (2, -1):
y2 = 4px
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3. We found above that the equation of the parabola with vertex (h, k)
and axis parallel to the y-axis is
(x h)2 = 4p(y k).
Sketch the parabola for which (h, k) is (-1,2) and p = -3.
Answer
We will have vertex at (-1,2) and p = -3 (so the parabola will be
"upside down").
The vertex is at (-1, 2), since we know the focal distance is | p | = 3.
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Application:
A parabolic antenna has a cross-section of width 12 m and depth of 2
m. Where should the receiver be placed for best reception?
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The receiver should be placed at the focus of the parabolic dish for best reception,
because the incoming signal will be concentrated at the focus.
We place the vertex of the parabola at the origin (for convenience) and use
the equation of the parabola to get the focal distance ( p) and hence the
required point.
In general, the equation for a parabola with vertical axis is
x2 = 4py.
We can see that the parabola passes through the point (6, 2).
Substituting, we have:
(6)2 = 4p(2)
So p = 36/8 = 4.5
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So we need to place the receiver 4.5 metres from the vertex, along the axis of
symmetry of the parabola.
The equation of the parabola is:
x2 = 18y
That is
y = x2 /18)
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