Nature of Chapter:

1. You should be comfortable with standard notations of 2 degree curve,

before starting this chapter.

2. This chapter has a lot many Results, and all the results are important.

3. Parametric form is very important in Parabola, especially in the formulae

of tangents and normals.

4. Topic wise practice should be done 2-3 times before going for full chapter
solving.
 Weightage of Parabola (Last 6 years)
2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 Average

JEE Main 1.8% 1.9 % 2.4 % 2.1 % 2.5 % 2.7 % 2.23 %

Jee Advanced 6% 3% 3% 7% 0% 0% 3.16 %

Weightage of Conic Sections (Last 6 years)

2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 Average

JEE Main 5.5% 4.4 % 6.8 % 5.0 % 6.8 % 7.5 % 6.00 %

Jee Advanced 9% 6% 9% 10 % 6% 3% 7.1 %

 Parabola
● Definition and Standard Equations
● Parametric form
● Position of point with respect to parabola
● Position of line with respect to parabola
● Focal chord and Focal distance
● Equations of Normal
● Chords
● Some important properties of parabola
 Parabola
Critical Topics:

● Basic construction of parabola, ie equations of std parabolas

● Position of line with respect to parabola
● Focal chord
● Results
Definition & Standard Equations
 Definition
A Parabola is the locus of point, which moves in a plane, such that its
distance from a fixed point is equal to its distance from a fixed line.
 Definition

(1) The fixed point S is called focus. directrix

(2) The fixed straight line is called the directrix.
(3) A line through the focus and perpendicular
to the directrix is called the axis (or axis of M P (h ,k)
symmetry) of the Parabola.
(4) The point of intersection of the Parabola
with its axis is called its vertex. S

(5) A chord perpendicular to the axis is called focus

double ordinate.
In particular, the double ordinate through
the focus is called the latus rectum.
Standard Parabola and its equation
 Standard Parabola and its equation
Here we will be studying parabolas having horizontal or vertical axis.
 Standard Parabola and its equation

Consider a parabola with focus at (a, 0) and x = - a as directrix.

Let’s find its equation, using the definition.
 Standard Parabola and its equation
Standard Parabolas having vertex at the origin
Consider the following equations for a > 0 and remember their graphs.

(1) y2 = 4ax

(2) y2 = −4ax

(3) x2 = 4ay

(4) x2 = −4ay
 Standard Parabola and its equation
Standard Parabolas having vertex at the origin
Consider the following equations for a > 0 and remember their graphs.

(1) y2 = 4ax (2) y2 = −4ax

 Standard Parabola and its equation
Standard Parabolas having vertex at the origin
Consider the following equations for a > 0 and remember their graphs.

(1) y2 = 4ax (2) y2 = −4ax

Y Y

LR = 4a LR = 4a
X X
Z (−a, 0) O S (a, 0) S (−a, 0) O
Z (a, 0)

x = −a x=a
 Standard Parabola and its equation
Standard Parabolas having vertex at the origin
Consider the following equations for a > 0 and remember their graphs.

(1) x2 = 4ay (2) x2 = −4ay

 Standard Parabola and its equation
Standard Parabolas having vertex at the origin
Consider the following equations for a > 0 and remember their graphs.

(1) x2 = 4ay (2) x2 = −4ay

Y
Y

y=a Z (0, a)
LR = 4a S (0, a)
O
X
O X
LR = 4a
y = −a S (0, −a)
Z (0, −a)
 Find the coordinates of the focus and the vertex, the
Q
equations of the directrix and the axis, and the length of
the latus rectum of the parabola x2 = 6y
Solution:
Q Draw the following parabolas and mark their
focus, directrix and length of LR.
(a) y2 = 10x (b) y2 = −6x (c) x2 = 12y
Q Draw the following parabolas and mark their
focus, directrix and length of LR.
(a) y2 = 10x (b) y2 = −6x
Solution:
(a) y2 = 10x (b) y2 = −6x
Here, a = 5/2 and it is a parabola Here, a = 3/2 and it is a parabola
facing towards right side. facing towards left side.

Y Y

LR = LR = 6
10 X X
Z (−5/2, 0) O S (5/2, 0) S (− 3/2, 0) O
Z (3/2, 0)

x = −5/2 x = 3/2
Q Draw the following parabolas and mark their
focus, directrix and length of LR.
(c) x2 = 12y
Solution:
(c) x2 = 12y
Here, a = 3 and it is a parabola
facing upwards.
Q A double ordinate of the parabola y2 = 8px is of length 16p.
The angle subtended by it at the vertex of the parabola is

D
Q A double ordinate of the parabola y2 = 8px is of length 16p.
The angle subtended by it at the vertex of the parabola is

D
Solution:
Q The equation of the parabola with vertex at the origin
passing through (2, 3) and the axis along x-axis is

A 2y2 = 9x

B y2 = 9x

C y2 = -9x

D 2y2 = -9x
Q The equation of the parabola with vertex at the origin
passing through (2, 3) and the axis along x-axis is

A 2y2 = 9x

B y2 = 9x

C y2 = -9x

D 2y2 = -9x
Solution:
Q Find the equation of parabola with vertex at the origin
and y + 3 = 0 as its directrix. Also find its focus.
Solution:
Let the vertex of the parabola be O(0, 0).
Now, y + 3 = 0 y = −3.
Thus, the directrix is a line parallel to the x-axis
at a distance of 3 units below the x-axis.
So, the focus of the parabola lies on the y-axis.
Consequently, the focus is F(0, 3).
Hence, the equation of the parabola is
x2 = 4ay, where a = 3
i.e. x2 = 12y
Q A beam is supported at its ends by two supports which
are 12m apart. Since the load is concentrated at its
center, there is a deflection of 3 cm at the center and the
deflected beam is in the shape of a parabola. How far
from the center is the deflection 1 cm ?
Solution:
 Standard Parabola and its equation
Standard parabolas having vertex at any point
Consider the following equations for a > 0 and remember their graphs.

(1) (y − k)2 = 4a(x − h) (2)(y − k)2 = −4a(x − h)

(3) (x − h)2 = 4a(y − k) (4) (x − h)2 = −4a(y − k)

 Standard Parabola and its equation
Standard parabolas having vertex at any point
Consider the following equations for a > 0 and remember their graphs.

(1) (y − k)2 = 4a(x − h) (2)(y − k)2 = −4a(x − h)

 Standard Parabola and its equation
Standard parabolas having vertex at any point
Consider the following equations for a > 0 and remember their graphs.

(1) (y − k)2 = 4a(x − h) (2)(y − k)2 = −4a(x − h)

LR = 4a LR = 4a
A (h, k) A (h, k)
Z (h − a, k) S (h + a, k) S (h − a, k) Z (h + a, k)

x=h−a x=h+a
 Standard Parabola and its equation
Standard parabolas having vertex at any point
Consider the following equations for a > 0 and remember their graphs.

(3) (x − h)2 = 4a(y − k) (4) (x − h)2 = −4a(y − k)

 Standard Parabola and its equation
Standard parabolas having vertex at any point
Consider the following equations for a > 0 and remember their graphs.

(3) (x − h)2 = 4a(y − k) (4) (x − h)2 = −4a(y − k)

S (h, k + a) Z (h, k + a)
LR = 4a
A (h, k)

A (h, k)
Z (h, k − a) LR = 4a
S (h, k − a)
Q Draw the following parabola and mark its focus,
directrix and length of LR : (y - 1)2 = 4(x - 2)
Solution:
Here, a = 1 and it is a parabola facing towards right side with vertex (2, 1)

(2, 1)
LR = 4
S (3, 1)

X
O
x=1
Q Draw the following parabola and mark its focus,
directrix and length of LR of the following :
(a) y2 − 2y − 4x + 9 = 0
(b) x2 - 6x + 2y + 17 = 0
Q Draw the following parabola and mark its focus,
directrix and length of LR of the following :
(a) y2 − 2y − 4x + 9 = 0
Solution:
The equation y2 − 2y − 4x + 9 = 0 can be written as (y − 1)2 = 4(x − 2)
Here, a = 1 and it is a parabola facing towards right side with vertex (2, 1).

(2, 1)
LR = 4

S (3, 1)

x=1
Q Draw the following parabola and mark its focus,
directrix and length of LR of the following :
(b) x2 - 6x + 2y + 17 = 0
Solution:
The equation y2 − 6x + 2y + 17 = 0 can be written as (x − 3)2 = -2(y + 4)
Here, a = 1/2 and it is a parabola facing downwards with vertex (3, -4).

y = -7/2
A(3, -4)

LR = 2
S(3, -9/2)
 Standard Parabola and its equation

Observations :
(1) Any horizontal parabola has equation of the form x = ay2 + by + c.
(2) Any vertical parabola has equation of the form y = ax2 + bx + c.
Q Find the value of p such that the vertex of y = x2 + 2px + 13
is 4 units above the x-axis.
Solution:
Q Equation of the parabola whose vertex is (−3, −2), axis is
horizontal and which passes through the point (1, 2) is

A y2 + 4y + 4x − 8 = 0

B y2 + 4y − 4x + 8 = 0

C y2 + 4y − 4x − 8 = 0

D None of these
Q Equation of the parabola whose vertex is (−3, −2), axis is
horizontal and which passes through the point (1, 2) is

A y2 + 4y + 4x − 8 = 0

B y2 + 4y − 4x + 8 = 0

C y2 + 4y − 4x − 8 = 0

D None of these
Solution:
Since the axis is horizontal and vertex is (−3, −2),
the equation of the parabola must be of the form
(y + 2)2 = 4a(x + 3)
It passes through (1, 2), so 16 = 16a i.e., a = 1.
Hence, the equation of the required parabola is
(y + 2)2 = 4(x + 3) or y2 + 4y − 4x − 8 = 0
Q Find equation of parabola whose focus and vertex
are the points (4, -3) and (4, -1) respectively.
Solution:
Q The vertex of a parabola is (2, 2) and the coordinates of
its two extremities of latus rectum are (-2, 0) and (6, 0).
Find the equation of the parabola.
Solution:
Shifting the origin at A, equation becomes
Q If (3, 6) and (3, -2) are the endpoints of the latus rectum
of a parabola, then find its equation.
Solution:
Since equation of LR is x = 3, which is a line
(3, 6)
parallel to the Y-axis, so axis of parabola is
parallel to the X-axis
(3, 2)
Since, LR = 8
4a = 8 a=2 (1, 2) (5, 2)

Observe that two parabolas are possible here. (3, -2)

Now, the possible parabolas are

(y - 2)2 = 8(x - 5) or (y - 2)2 = -8 (x - 1)
 Standard Parabola and its equation

Remark :
The following hold true for all parabolas

(i) Distance between vertex and focus

 Standard Parabola and its equation

Remark :
The following hold true for all parabolas

(ii) Distance between directrix and focus

 Standard Parabola and its equation

Remark :
The following hold true for all parabolas

(iii) Vertex is always midpoint of focus and point of intersection

of axis and directrix.
 Standard Parabola and its equation

Remark :
The following hold true for all parabolas

(iv) (Distance of any point on parabola from its axis)2

= Latus Rectum × Distance of that point from tangent at vertex
Q Find the length of the latus rectum of the parabola whose
focus is at (2, 3) and directrix is the line x - 4y + 3 = 0
Solution:
 JEE Main 28th June, 2022

Q If vertex of a parabola is (2, -1) and the equation of its directrix

is 4x - 3y = 21, then the length of its latus rectum is

A 2

B 8

C 12

D 16
 JEE Main 28th June, 2022

Q If vertex of a parabola is (2, -1) and the equation of its directrix

is 4x - 3y = 21, then the length of its latus rectum is

A 2

B 8

C 12

D 16
Solution:
Q Find the equation of the parabola whose focus is at (-1, -2)
and the directrix is the straight line x - 2y + 3 = 0.
Solution:
Q Find equation of parabola with vertex (2, 1) and focus (1, −1).
Solution:
Solution:
Q The axis of the parabola is along the line y = x and the distance
of its vertex and focus from origin are √2 and 2√2, respectively.
If vertex and focus both lie in the first quadrant, then find the
equation of the parabola.
Solution:
Y

P(x, y) y=x

S(2, 2)

A(1, 1)
X
O
x+y=0
Parametric form of parabola
 Parametric form of Parabola

(1) y2 = 4ax P(at2, 2at)

(2) x2 = 4ay P(2at, at2)

(3) (y − k)2 = 4a(x − h) P(h + at2, k + 2at)

(4)(x − h)2 = 4a(y − k) P(h + 2at, k + at2)

Remark :
Try to understand 3 and 4 using shift of origin.
 Parametric form of Parabola

(1a) y2 = 4ax P(at2, 2at)

(1b) y2 = -4ax P(-at2, 2at)

(2a) x2 = 4ay P(2at, at2)

(2b) x2 = -4ay P(2at, -at2)

 JEE Main 2015
Let O be the vertex and Q be any point on the parabola
Q
x2 = 8y. If the point P divides the line segment OQ
internally in the ratio 1 : 3, then the locus of P is _____.

A x2 = y

B y2 = x

C y2 = 2x

D x2 = 2y
 JEE Main 2015
Let O be the vertex and Q be any point on the parabola
Q
x2 = 8y. If the point P divides the line segment OQ
internally in the ratio 1 : 3, then the locus of P is _____.

A x2 = y

B y2 = x

C y2 = 2x

D x2 = 2y
Solution:
, so here, a = 2
, and let
 JEE Main 2nd Sept, 2020
The area (in sq. units) of an equilateral triangle
Q
inscribed in the parabola y2 = 8x, with one of its
vertices on the vertex of this parabola, is:

A 256√3

B 64√3

C 128√3

D 192√3
 JEE Main 2nd Sept, 2020
The area (in sq. units) of an equilateral triangle
Q
inscribed in the parabola y2 = 8x, with one of its
vertices on the vertex of this parabola, is:

A 256√3

B 64√3

C 128√3

D 192√3
Solution:
 Parametric form of Parabola

Remark :
Area of triangle inscribed in a parabola y2 = 4ax
Q Find the locus of middle points of chords of a parabola
y2 = 4ax which subtend a right angle at the vertex of
the parabola.
Solution:

Y P (at12, 2at1)

(h, k)
X
O

Q (at22, 2at2)
 JEE Advanced 2015, P1

Let the curve C be the mirror image of the parabola y2 = 4x

Q
with respect to the line x + y + 4 = 0. If A and B are the points
of intersection of C with the line y = -5, then the distance
between A and B is
 JEE Advanced 2015, P1

Let the curve C be the mirror image of the parabola y2 = 4x

Q
with respect to the line x + y + 4 = 0. If A and B are the points
of intersection of C with the line y = -5, then the distance
between A and B is

Ans: 4
Solution:
Let P(t2, 2t) be a point on the curve y2 = 4x and Q(h, k) be its
image in x + y + 4 = 0. Thus, we have

h = -(2t + 4) and k = -(t2 + 4)

Now, k = -5
So, t = ± 1
Hence, h = -2, -6
So, A and B are (-2, -5) & (-6, -5)
Hence, AB = 4
Position of a point w.r.t. a parabola
 Position of a point w.r.t. a Parabola

Result :
For a parabola whose equation is S = 0 and a given point P(x1, y1),
(1) S1 > 0 point P lies outside the parabola
(2) S1 = 0 point P lies on the parabola
(3) S1 < 0 point P lies inside the parabola
 Position of a point w.r.t. a Parabola
Lets see how previous result is observed:
Q The point (a, 2a) is an interior point of the region bounded
by the parabola y2 = 16x and the double ordinate through
focus. Then ‘a’ belongs to the open interval

A a<4

B 0<a<4

C 0<a<2

D a>4
Q The point (a, 2a) is an interior point of the region bounded
by the parabola y2 = 16x and the double ordinate through
focus. Then ‘a’ belongs to the open interval

A a<4

B 0<a<4

C 0<a<2

D a>4
Solution:
Position of a line w.r.t. a parabola
 Position of a line w.r.t. a Parabola

Recall :
To ensure that a line L = 0 is tangent to a conic S = 0, we
find x or y from L = 0 and put it in S = 0 to get a quadratic
and then we take D = 0.
Q Find m such that y = mx + 3 is tangent to y2 = 3x.
Solution:
 Equation of Tangents to Parabola
Various equations of tangents to y2 = 4ax
 Equation of Tangents to Parabola
Various equations of tangents to y2 = 4ax

Slope form Tangent at a point Parametric form

on a parabola
Y Y
slope = m Y
(x1, y1) P(t)

O X X O
O
y2 = 4ax y2 = 4ax
y2 = 4ax
 Equation of Tangents to Parabola
Various equations of tangents to y2 = 4ax

Slope form Tangent at a point Parametric form

on a parabola
Y Y
slope = m Y
(x1, y1) P(t)

O X X O
O
y2 = 4ax y2 = 4ax
y2 = 4ax

T=0 T=0 ty = x + at2

Q The tangent to the parabola y2 = 16x, which
is perpendicular to a line y - 3x - 1 = 0 is

A 3y + x + 36 = 0

B 3y - x - 36 = 0

C x + y - 36 = 0

D x - y + 36 = 0
Q The tangent to the parabola y2 = 16x, which
is perpendicular to a line y - 3x - 1 = 0 is

A 3y + x + 36 = 0

B 3y - x - 36 = 0

C x + y - 36 = 0

D x - y + 36 = 0
Solution:
Q Find m such that y = mx + 3 is tangent to y2 = 3x.
Solution:
Q If y = mx + 4 is a tangent to both the parabolas,
y2 = 4x and x2 = 2by, then b is equal to

A -64

B 128

C -128

D -32
Q If y = mx + 4 is a tangent to both the parabolas,
y2 = 4x and x2 = 2by, then b is equal to

A -64

B 128

C -128

D -32
Solution:
 Find the equation of the tangents to the parabola
Q
y2 = 9x which go through the point (4, 10).
Solution:
 Equation of Tangents to Parabola

Observation :
From an external point, two tangents can be drawn to a parabola.
Q Two tangents are drawn from the point (-2, -1) to the
parabola y2 = 4x. If 𝞪 is the angle between these
tangents, then the value of tan 𝞪 is

A 2

B 3

C 4

D None

Recall :
If α and β are roots of ax2 + bx + c = 0, then
Q Two tangents are drawn from the point (-2, -1) to the
parabola y2 = 4x. If 𝞪 is the angle between these
tangents, then the value of tan 𝞪 is

A 2

B 3

C 4

D None
Solution:
Y
m1

O X

m2
 If two tangents drawn from the point (𝞪, 𝞫) to the
Q
parabola y2 = 4x be such that the slope of one
tangent is double of the other then

D
 If two tangents drawn from the point (𝞪, 𝞫) to the
Q
parabola y2 = 4x be such that the slope of one
tangent is double of the other then

D
Solution:
 Find the locus of the point from which the two
Q
tangents drawn to the parabola y2 = 4ax are such
that the slope of one is thrice that of the other.
Solution:
 Find the locus of the foot of perpendiculars drawn from
Q
the vertex on variable tangent to the parabola y2 = 4ax.
Solution:
Solution:
 JEE Main 2019

Q The equation of a common tangent to the curves,

y2 = 16x and xy = -4, is

A x+y+4=0

B 2x - y + 2 = 0

C x - 2y + 16 = 0

D x-y+4=0
 JEE Main 2019

Q The equation of a common tangent to the curves,

y2 = 16x and xy = -4, is

A x+y+4=0

B 2x - y + 2 = 0

C x - 2y + 16 = 0

D x-y+4=0
Solution:
 Equation of Tangents to Parabola

Now lets see few examples of tangent at a point on curve

Q Find the equation of tangent to parabola y = x2 - 2x + 3
at point (2, 3).
Solution:
 JEE Main 25th July, 2022

Q The tangents at the point A(1, 3) and B(1, -1) on the

parabola y2 - 2x - 2y = 1 meet at the point P. Then
the area (in unit2) of the triangle PAB is:

A 4

B 6

C 7

D 8
 JEE Main 25th July, 2022

Q The tangents at the point A(1, 3) and B(1, -1) on the

parabola y2 - 2x - 2y = 1 meet at the point P. Then
the area (in unit2) of the triangle PAB is:

A 4

B 6

C 7

D 8
Solution:
 JEE Main 25th July, 2022
The sum of diameters of the circles that touch the
Q
parabola 75x2 = 64(5y - 3) at the point
and the y-axis, is equal to_____.
 JEE Main 25th July, 2022
The sum of diameters of the circles that touch the
Q
parabola 75x2 = 64(5y - 3) at the point
and the y-axis, is equal to_____.

Ans: 10
Solution:
Solution:
 Equation of Tangents to Parabola

Now we need to understand 3 very important observations about

parametric tangent
 Equation of Tangents to Parabola

NOTE :
(1) Slope of tangent to y2 = 4ax at P(t) is
 Equation of Tangents to Parabola

NOTE :
(2) Parametric tangent of x2 = 4ay can be obtained by interchanging
x and y in corresponding formula for y2 = 4ax. It does not happen
in equation of tangent having given slope m.
 Equation of Tangents to Parabola

NOTE :
(3) Point of intersection of tangents to y2 = 4ax at P(t1) and Q(t2)
is (at1t2, a(t1 + t2))
P(t1)
(at1t2, a(t1 + t2))

Q(t2)
Q Point of tangency of tangent to y2 = 8x, having slope 2 is __.

Slope of tangent to y2 = 4ax at P(t) is

Q Point of tangency of tangent to y2 = 8x, having slope 2 is __.

D
Solution:
Alternate Solution:
Q Find the points of contact Q and R of tangents from the
point P(2, 3) on the parabola y2 = 4x.

Point of intersection of tangents to y2 = 4ax at

P(t1) and Q(t2) is (at1t2, a(t1 + t2))
Solution:
 Tangents to y2 = 4ax make angles θ1 and θ2 with axes.
Q
Find locus of their point of intersection if cot θ1 + cot θ2 = c,
where c is a constant.
Solution:
Y

θ1 P(t1)
θ2
X
(h, k) Q(t2)
 JEE Advanced 2014, P2

Q The common tangents to the circle x2 + y2 = 2 and the

parabola y2 = 8x touch the circle at the points P, Q
and the parabola at the points R, S. Then the area of
the quadrilateral PQRS is

A 3

B 6

C 9

D 15
 JEE Advanced 2014, P2

Q The common tangents to the circle x2 + y2 = 2 and the

parabola y2 = 8x touch the circle at the points P, Q
and the parabola at the points R, S. Then the area of
the quadrilateral PQRS is

A 3

B 6

C 9

D 15
Solution:
R
P

L
T M O

Q
S
Solution:
Q Find the equation of the director circle of the parabola y2 = 4ax.
Solution:
Y

A (h, k) B(t1)
X
C(t2)
Alternate Solution:
 Equation of Tangents to Parabola

NOTE :
Director circle of a parabola is its directrix.
Focal chord and Focal Distances
 Focal Chord and Focal Distances
Now, let’s pick focus and study two important terms, namely
(1) Focal Distance
(2) Focal Chord
 Focal Chord and Focal Distances
Focal Distance
It is the distance of any point on the parabola from its focus.

In particular, for y2 = 4ax,

PS = PM Y

M P (x1, y1)

O X
S

x = −a
 Focal Chord and Focal Distances
Focal Distance
It is the distance of any point on the parabola from its focus.

In particular, for y2 = 4ax,

PS = PM Y
Eg. If focal distance of a point M P (x1, y1)
on y2 = 12x is 4 then . . . . . . .

O X
S

x = −a
 Focal Chord and Focal Distances
Focal Distance
It is the distance of any point on the parabola from its focus.
In particular, for y2 = 4ax,

PS = PM Y
Eg. If focal distance of a point M P (x1, y1)
on y2 = 12x is 4 then a + x1 = 4,
that is 3 + x1 = 4 x1 = 1 X
O S
So, the point is

x = −a
 Focal Chord and Focal Distances
Focal Chord
Any chord passing through the focus of a parabola is called a focal chord.
 Focal Chord and Focal Distances
We should be remembering some results related to focal chords

Results :
(1) For y2 = 4ax, if P(t1) and Q(t2) are the
endpoints of a focal chord then t1t2 = − 1.
(2) Tangents at endpoints of a focal chord
are perpendicular and hence intersect
on directrix.
(3) Circle with endpoints of focal chord as
diameter, always touches directrix
 Focal Chord and Focal Distances
We should be remembering some results related to focal chords

Results :
(4) Length of a focal chord of y2 = 4ax, making
an angle α with the X-axis, is 4a cosec2 α.

(5) Length of focal chord whose one endpoint is

P(t) is a(t + 1/t)2
 Focal Chord and Focal Distances
We should be remembering some results related to focal chords

Results :
(6) If AB is a focal chord of y2 = 4ax, then , where
S is the focus.
 If (2, -8) is an end of a focal chord of the parabola y2 = 32x,
Q
then find the other end of the chord.

For y2 = 4ax, if P(t1) and Q(t2) are the

endpoints of a focal chord then t1t2 = − 1.
Solution:
Q PSQ is a focal chord of a parabola whose focus is S
and vertex is A. PA and QA are produced to meet the
directrix in R and T, respectively. Then ∠RST =

A 30o

B 90o

C 60o

D 45o
Q PSQ is a focal chord of a parabola whose focus is S
and vertex is A. PA and QA are produced to meet the
directrix in R and T, respectively. Then ∠RST =

A 30o

B 90o

C 60o

D 45o
Solution:
Solution:
 JEE Main 2019

Q If one end of a focal chord of the parabola, y2 = 16x is at (1, 4),

then the length of this focal chord is

A 24

B 20

C 22

D 25

Length of focal chord whose one endpoint is P(t)

is a(t + 1/t)2
 JEE Main 2019

Q If one end of a focal chord of the parabola, y2 = 16x is at (1, 4),

then the length of this focal chord is

A 24

B 20

C 22

D 25
Solution:
Q The length of the focal chord of the parabola y2 = 4x,
lying at distance of 0.4 units from the origin is

A 25 units

B 24 units

C 23 units

D 22 units

Length of a focal chord of y2 = 4ax, making

an angle α with the X-axis, is 4a cosec2 α.
Q The length of the focal chord of the parabola y2 = 4x,
lying at distance of 0.4 units from the origin is

A 25 units

B 24 units

C 23 units

D 22 units
Solution:
 JEE Main 4th April, 2024

Q Let the length of the focal chord of the parabola y2 = 12 x

be 15 units. If the distance of PQ from the origin is p, then
10p2 is equal to
 JEE Main 4th April, 2024

Q Let the length of the focal chord of the parabola y2 = 12 x

be 15 units. If the distance of PQ from the origin is p, then
10p2 is equal to

Ans: 72
Solution:
 JEE Advanced 2013

Q Let PQ be a focal chord of the parabola y2 = 4ax. The

tangents to the parabola at P and Q meet at a point lying
on the line y = 2x + a, a > 0. Length of chord PQ is :

A 7a

B 5a

C 2a

D 3a
 JEE Advanced 2013

Q Let PQ be a focal chord of the parabola y2 = 4ax. The

tangents to the parabola at P and Q meet at a point lying
on the line y = 2x + a, a > 0. Length of chord PQ is :

A 7a

B 5a

C 2a

D 3a
Solution:
Q If the line passing through the focus S of the parabola
y = ax2 + bx + c meets the parabola at P and Q and if
SP = 4 and SQ = 6, then find the values of a.
Solution:
Normals of a Parabola
 Normals of a Parabola

First we try to observe that the equation of normal can be easily

developed from parametric tangent.
Y

P(t)
X
 Normals of a Parabola

First we try to observe that the equation of normal can be easily

developed from parametric tangent.
Y
Normal at P(t) is given by
y − 2at = − t(x + at2),
i.e. y + tx = 2at + at3 (parametric normal of y2 = 4ax) P(t)
As t = − m, so we also have X
y = mx − 2am − am3 (normal of y2 = 4ax having slope m)
 IIT 2000

Q If x + y = k is normal to y2 = 12x, then k is ____.

A 3

B 9

C -3

D -9
 IIT 2000

Q If x + y = k is normal to y2 = 12x, then k is ____.

A 3

B 9

C -3

D -9
Solution:
Q Find the equation of the normal to y2 = 8x, having slope of 2.
Also find its point of contact.
Solution:
Q Number of distinct normal that can be drawn to the
parabola y2 = 4x from the point (15, 12) is:

A 1

B 2

C 3

D 4
Q Number of distinct normal that can be drawn to the
parabola y2 = 4x from the point (15, 12) is:

A 1

B 2

C 3

D 4
Solution:
 JEE Main 27th Jan 2024, S1

Q If the shortest distance of the parabola y2 = 4x from

the centre of the circle x2 + y2 - 4x - 16y + 64 = 0 is d,
then d2 is equal to

A 16

B 24

C 20

D 36
 JEE Main 27th Jan 2024, S1

Q If the shortest distance of the parabola y2 = 4x from

the centre of the circle x2 + y2 - 4x - 16y + 64 = 0 is d,
then d2 is equal to

A 16

B 24

C 20

D 36
Solution:
 Normals of a Parabola

NOTE :
For x2 = 4ay, interchange x and y to get its parametric normal,
that is x + ty = 2at + at3

i.e.

so, we have

is normal to x2 = 4ay having slope m.

Q The equation of the normal to the parabola x2 = 8y at x = 4 is:

A x + 2y = 0

B x+y=2

C x - 2y =0

D x+y=6
Q The equation of the normal to the parabola x2 = 8y at x = 4 is:

A x + 2y = 0

B x+y=2

C x - 2y =0

D x+y=6
Solution:
Given equation of parabola : x2 = 8y
a=2
As we know that, parametric equation of normal to the parabola x2 = 4ay at t is
x + ty = 2at + at3

Equation of normal to the given parabola is : x + ty = 4t + 2t3

Point of normality is (2at, t2)
As we have to find normal at x = 4
2at = 4
2x2xt=4 t=1
Equation of normal is: x + y = 4 + 2
i.e. x + y = 6
Q Find the equation of line which is normal to the parabola
x2 = 4y and touches the parabola y2 = 12x.
Solution:
 Normals of a Parabola

NOTE :
For y2 = 4ax, the normal having slope m, Y
i.e., y = mx − 2am − am3 . m1
P
If it passes through the point (h, k), then

(h, k)
X

Q R
m2 m3
 Normals of a Parabola

NOTE :
For y2 = 4ax, the normal having slope m, Y
i.e., y = mx − 2am − am3 . m1
P
If it passes through the point (h, k), then
am3 +(2a − h)m + k = 0.
(h, k)
So, at most 3 normals can pass through a X
given point, and slopes of these normals
Q R
m1, m2, m3 satisfy :
m2 m3
m1 + m2 + m3 = 0,
 Normals of a Parabola

NOTE :
We can also develop relations between parameters of P, Q, R
using the fact that mN = − t.
So, we have :

t1 + t2 + t3 = 0,
 Normals of a Parabola

Remark :
The points P, Q, R, normals at which are concurrent,
are called conormal points.
 Normals of a Parabola

Observation :
Centroid of triangle formed by 3 conormal points of y2 = 4ax lies
on the X-axis.
Q Let the normals at points A(4a, -4a) and B(9a, -6a) on
the parabola y2 = 4ax meet the point P. The equation of
the normal from P on y2 = 4ax (other than PA and PB) is

A 5x + y - 135a = 0

B 5x - y + 115a = 0

C 5x + y + 115 = 0

D 5x - y - 115a = 0
Q Let the normals at points A(4a, -4a) and B(9a, -6a) on
the parabola y2 = 4ax meet the point P. The equation of
the normal from P on y2 = 4ax (other than PA and PB) is

A 5x + y - 135a = 0

B 5x - y + 115a = 0

C 5x + y + 115 = 0

D 5x - y - 115a = 0
Solution:
Let, A = (at12, 2at1), B = (at22, 2at2)
And the foot of the required normal is (at32, 2at3), then
2at1 = -4a, 2at2 = -6a and t1 + t2 + t3 = 0
t1 = -2, t2 = -3 and -2 - 3 + t3 = 0
t3 = 5
Hence, the equation of the required normal is
y = -t3x + 2at3 + at32
y = -5x + 10a + 125a
y + 5x - 135a = 0
Q Find the locus of the point of intersection of two
perpendicular normals to y2 = 4ax.
Solution:
 Find the locus of the point through which three
Q
normals to the parabola y2 = 4ax pass such that
two of them make angles 𝞪 and 𝞫 respectively
with axis such that tan 𝞪 . tan 𝞫 = 2.
Solution:
Solution:
 Normals of a Parabola

Result :
(1) If normal to y2 = 4ax at P(t1) intersects the parabola

again at Q(t2), then

 Normals of a Parabola

Result :
(2) If normals to y2 = 4ax at P(t1) and Q(t2) intersect on
the parabola at R(t3), then

(a) t1t2 = 2
(b) t3 = −(t1 + t2)
 Normals of a Parabola

Result :
(3) 3 distinct normals drawn to y2 = 4ax from (h, 0)
are real if h > 2a.
Q In the parabola y2 = 4ax, the tangent at P whose abscissa
is equal to the latus rectum meets its axis at T, and normal
at P cuts the curve again at Q. Show that PT : PQ = 4 : 5.

If normal to y2 = 4ax at P(t1) intersects the parabola

again at Q(t2), then

Solution:
Q Find the length of normal chord which subtends an angle
of 90o at the vertex of the parabola y2 = 4x.
Solution:

Y y2 = 4x

P (at2, 2at)

X
O

Q
Solution:
Q Find the point on the axis of the parabola
3y2 + 4y - 6x + 8 = 0 from where three
distinct normals can be drawn.
Solution:
Solution:
Chords of a Parabola
 Chords of a Parabola

The formulae for the equation of the chord of contact and a chord with given
midpoint remain the same,
that is T = 0 and T = S1 respectively.
 (a) 3x + y = 6 intersects y2 = 4x at A and B. Find the point
Q
of intersection of the tangents at A and B.
(b) Find the locus of the midpoints of the chords of
y2 = 4x that pass through the focus.
 (a) 3x + y = 6 intersects y2 = 4x at A and B. Find the point
Q
of intersection of the tangents at A and B.
Solution:
 (b) Find the locus of the midpoints of the chords of
Q
y2 = 4x that pass through the focus.
Solution:
 Multiple Correct Question JEE Advanced 2017, P1

Q If a chord which is not a tangent, of the parabola

y2 = 16x has the equation 2x + y = p, and mid-point
(h, k), then which of the following is/(are) possible
value(s) of p, h and k?

A p = -1, h = 1, k = -3

B p = 2, h = 3, k = -4

C p = -2, h = 2, k = -4

D p = 5, h = 4, k = -3
 Multiple Correct Question JEE Advanced 2017, P1

Q If a chord which is not a tangent, of the parabola

y2 = 16x has the equation 2x + y = p, and mid-point
(h, k), then which of the following is/(are) possible
value(s) of p, h and k?

A p = -1, h = 1, k = -3

B p = 2, h = 3, k = -4

C p = -2, h = 2, k = -4

D p = 5, h = 4, k = -3
Solution:
Q If the chord of contact of tangents from a point P to the
parabola y2 = 4ax touches the parabola x2 = 4by, then
find the locus of P.
Solution:
Chord of contact of parabola y2 = 4ax w.r.t. Point P(x1, y1) is
yy1 = 2a(x + x1) . . . (i)
This line touches the parabola x2 = 4by
Solving Eq. (i) with parabola, we have

or y1x2 - 8abx - 8abx1 = 0

According to the question, this equation must have equal roots.
D=0
64a2b2 + 32abx1y1 = 0
x1y1 = -2ab or xy = -2ab
Which is a rectangular hyperbola.
Some properties of Parabola
 Some Properties of Parabola
Here, we will be studying some properties which hold for all parabolas.
We can prove these properties for y2 = 4x easily.
 Some Properties of Parabola

Results :
(1) The portion of a tangent to a parabola,
intercepted between the directrix and the
point of tangency, subtends a right angle at
the focus.

(2) Foot of perpendicular from the focus of a

parabola, on the tangent at any point on the
parabola, lies on tangent at vertex.
 Some Properties of Parabola

Results :
(3) The tangent at any point P on a
parabola bisects the angle between
the focal chord through P and the
perpendicular from P to the directrix.
 Some Properties of Parabola

Results :
(4) Reflection property : A ray of light coming parallel to the axis of a parabola,
passes through the focus after getting reflected from inside the parabola.
 Some Properties of Parabola

Results :
5(a) Area of triangle made by the points P(t1), Q(t2), R(t3) on the parabola
with equation y2 = 4ax is given by the magnitude of the determinant

, that is |a2 (t1 - t2)(t2 - t3)(t3 - t1)|.

 Some Properties of Parabola

Results :
5(b) Area of triangle made by 3 points on a parabola is twice the area of
triangle made by the tangents at these 3 points.
 Multiple Correct Question JEE Advanced 2021, P2
Let E denote the parabola y2 = 8x. Let P = (-2, 4) and let Q and
Q
Q’ be two distinct points on E such that the lines PQ and PQ’
are tangents to E. Let F be the focus of E. Then which of the
following statements is (are) TRUE ?

The triangle PFQ is a right-angled

A
triangle

B The triangle QPQ’ is a right-angled

triangle

C The distance between P and F is 5√2

D F lies on the line joining Q and Q’

 Multiple Correct Question JEE Advanced 2021, P2
Let E denote the parabola y2 = 8x. Let P = (-2, 4) and let Q and
Q
Q’ be two distinct points on E such that the lines PQ and PQ’
are tangents to E. Let F be the focus of E. Then which of the
following statements is (are) TRUE ?

The triangle PFQ is a right-angled

A
triangle

B The triangle QPQ’ is a right-angled

triangle

C The distance between P and F is 5√2

D F lies on the line joining Q and Q’

Solution:
 IIT JEE 2011
Consider the parabola y2 = 8x. Let Δ1 be the area of the triangle formed
Q
by the end points of its latus rectum and the point on the

parabola, and Δ2 be the area of the triangle formed by drawing

tangents at P and at the end points of the latus rectum. Then is
 IIT JEE 2011
Consider the parabola y2 = 8x. Let Δ1 be the area of the triangle formed
Q
by the end points of its latus rectum and the point on the

parabola, and Δ2 be the area of the triangle formed by drawing

tangents at P and at the end points of the latus rectum. Then is

Ans: 2
Solution: