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Applied Use of Parabolas - MathBitsNotebook(A2)

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15 views4 pages

Applied Use of Parabolas - MathBitsNotebook(A2)

Uploaded by

maythu.moc.dob
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
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Applied Use of Parabolas - MathBitsNotebook(A2) https://mathbitsnotebook.com/Algebra2/Quadratics/QDParabolaApplie...

Applied Use of Parabolas


MathBitsNotebook.com
Topical Outline | Algebra 2 Outline | MathBits' Teacher Resources

Terms of Use Contact Person: Donna Roberts

So, why are we interested in locating the focus of a parabola


and finding conic parabola equations?

In addition to mathematics, the parabolic curve is present in physics, astronomy, wireless


communications, industry, solar energy, engineering, and even optical illusions. Applications of
parabolic curves often require specific information about the curve including the focal point.
Consider this example which utilizes the focus of a parabola.

A parabolic dish (or parabolic reflector)


is a curved surface with a cross-sectional
shape of a parabola used to direct light or
sound waves. (The 3-D shape is called a paraboloid.)

Any sound waves entering a parabolic dish


parallel to the axis of symmetry and hitting
the inner surface of the dish are reflected back
to the focus.

Radio telescope antennas and satellite dishes


use this concept by placing a receiver at the
focal point to obtain a concentrated signal.

In a similar manner, the parabolic reflector in a


flashlight concentrates the light emitted by the
bulb, located at the focal point, into a directed
beam of light.

This same principle is at work in your car's


headlights and in spotlights.

Where the sound waves were being received by


the parabolic dish, the parabolic reflector in a
flashlight is directing the light waves outward.

Other applications of parabolic curves:

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Applied Use of Parabolas - MathBitsNotebook(A2) https://mathbitsnotebook.com/Algebra2/Quadratics/QDParabolaApplie...

A well known instance of the parabola in physics is the trajectory of a particle or body in motion under the
influence of gravity (without air resistance). Such trajectory is always an approximation of a parabola, and
was discovered in the early 17th century by Galileo. Parabolic trajectory can even be used to produce zero-
gravity, as seen in the photo with physicist Stephen Hawking.

A suspension bridge: a parabola represents the profile of An arch bridge: a parabola represents the profile
the cable of a suspended-deck suspension bridge. The of the supporting structure of an arch bridge. This
curve of the cable created by the chains follows the concrete bridge transfers its weight horizontally
curve of a parabola. into abutments.

Examples:

The parabolic reflector in a flashlight concentrates the light emitted by


the bulb, located at the focal point. If the bulb is 1.6 cm from the vertex of the reflector,
write an equation for a cross-section of the reflector with its focus on the positive x-axis
and its vertex at the origin.

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Applied Use of Parabolas - MathBitsNotebook(A2) https://mathbitsnotebook.com/Algebra2/Quadratics/QDParabolaApplie...

ANSWER:

The cables of a suspended-deck suspension bridge are in the shape


of a parabola. The pillars supporting the cable are 600 feet apart and rise 90 feet above
the road. The lowest height of the cable, which is 10 feet above the road, is reached
halfway between the pillars. What is the height of the cable from the road at a point 150
feet (horizontally) from the center of the bridge?

ANSWER: Let the x-axis be the road and the y-axis be the location halfway between the
pillars. The vertex of the parabola will be (0,10). The point on the pillar (300,90) lies on the
parabola. We need an equation for the parabola to find (150,y) on the parabola.

A natural stone bridge in Algeria displays an arched parabolic shape.


The height of the arch from ground level is 50 feet. The base width at ground level is 30
feet. Using the x-axis as the base, write an equation to model this arch.

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Applied Use of Parabolas - MathBitsNotebook(A2) https://mathbitsnotebook.com/Algebra2/Quadratics/QDParabolaApplie...

Position the y-axis so that the


vertex (h,k) will be (0,50). The
x-intercepts will be (15,0) and
(-15,0). Opening down means
"p" will appear to be negative.
(x - h)2 = 4p(y - k)
(x - 0)2 = 4p(y - 50)
plug in (15,0) for (x,y):
(15 - 0)2 = 4p(0 - 50)
225 = -200p
p = -9/8
EQUATION:
x2 = 4(-9/8)(y - 50)
x2 = (-9/2)(y - 50)

NOTE: The re-posting of materials (in part or whole) from this site to the Internet is copyright violation
and is not considered "fair use" for educators. Please read the "Terms of Use".

Topical Outline | Algebra 2 Outline| MathBitsNotebook.com | MathBits' Teacher Resources


Terms of Use Contact Person: Donna Roberts

4 of 4 7/18/2023, 3:43 PM

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