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A parabola is defined as the set of points equidistant from a fixed line (directrix) and a fixed point (focus), with key components including the vertex, axis, latus rectum, and focal chord. The standard equations for parabolas vary based on their orientation, with horizontal parabolas represented as y² = 4px and vertical parabolas as x² = 4py. Parabolas are prevalent in architecture and everyday life, providing structural stability in bridges and influencing the trajectory of objects like basketballs.

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7 views8 pages

final

A parabola is defined as the set of points equidistant from a fixed line (directrix) and a fixed point (focus), with key components including the vertex, axis, latus rectum, and focal chord. The standard equations for parabolas vary based on their orientation, with horizontal parabolas represented as y² = 4px and vertical parabolas as x² = 4py. Parabolas are prevalent in architecture and everyday life, providing structural stability in bridges and influencing the trajectory of objects like basketballs.

Uploaded by

hailetsion03
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We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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PARABOLA

A parabola is a set of all points p(x,y) that are equidistant from a fixed line (l) and
a fixed point (F)

• The fixed line(l) is called Directrix


• The fixed point (f) is called Focus
• The mid-point between the focus and directrix is called Vertex
• The line which passes through the focus and is perpendicular to the
directrix is called the Axis of the parabola

• Latus Rectum : Let the given parabola be 𝑦 2 = 4ax. In the figure LSL" (a line
through focus perpendicular to axis) is the latus rectum.
Also by definition.

LSL' = 2 (√4aa) - 4a
= double ordinate (Any chord of the parabola 𝑦 2 = 4ax which is perpendicular to its axis is called
the double ordinate) through the focus S
Note: Two parabolas are said to be equal when their latus recta are equal.

• Focal Chord: Any chord to the parabola which passes through the focus is
called a focal chord of the parabola.
• The distance from the vertex to the focus is called the Focal length of the
parabola
• Eccentricity is the ratio of the distance of a point from the focus to the
distance of the point from the directrix. The eccentricity of a parabola is
equal to 1.
Standard Equations of Parabola
In parabola there are two cases to consider. The first case is when the axis of
parabola is parallel to the x-axis and the second case is when the axis of parabola
is parallel to the y-axis.

Horizontal parabola
A parabola whose axis is parallel to the x-axis is called horizontal parabola. Such parabola
opens either to the right or to the left.

We can derive the equation of the horizontal parabola, whose vertex of the parabola is at the
origin since

● Vertex is at origin(0,0)
● focus is at the point (p,0)
● directrix is the vertical line x=−p
Let’s consider a random point P (x,y) on the parabola.

-Distance to the focus: The distance from (x,y) to the focus (p,0)is given by the distance formula
√(𝑥 − 𝑝)2 + (𝑦 − 0)2

-Distance to the directrix: The distance from (x,y) to the directrix x=−p (-p,0) is given by
the formula √(𝑥 + 𝑝)2 + (𝑦 − 𝑦)2

Since the two distances are equal :


√(𝑥 − 𝑝)2 + (𝑦)2 = √(𝑥 + 𝑝)2

(x−p)2 + y2= (x+p)2

x2−2px+p2 + y2 = x2+2px+p2

y2 =4px

If p>0, the parabola opens to the right and if p<0,the parabola opens to the left.

If the vertex is on a point (h,k), then the formula will be (y-k)2 = ± 4p (x-h). This equation is
called the standard form of the equation of a parabola with vertex V(h,k).
Vertical parabola
A parabola whose axis is parallel to the x-axis is called horizontal parabola. Such
parabola opens either to the right or to the left. The equation of a parabola
whose axis is parallel to the x-axis can be written in the following general form: x2
=4py
Where:

• P is a constant that determines the distance between the vertex and the
focus of the parabola.
• The vertex of the parabola is V(h,k)
• If p>0, the parabola opens upward.
• If p<0 the parabola opens downward.

The equation of parabola in standard form where the vertex in not at the origin
general form: (x-h)2 = +4p(y-k)
Standard equation (y-k)2 = +4p(x-h) (x-h)2 = +4p(y-k)
Vertex V(h,k) V(h,k)
Focus F( h+p,k) F(h,k+p)
Directrix X= h+p Y= k+p
Axis of parabola Y=k X=h

Parabolas in Everyday Life


The graph of the quadratic relation y = ax2 + bx + c is called a parabola. It is vertically
symmetrical and is like the letter “U” that opens either upward or downward. Many
architectural structures, including arches and bridges, have used the shape of parabolas
y
y = x2 history. Aside from buildings, the shape resembles natural curvatures such as a
throughout
stream of water. Parabolas can also be used to represent a variety of motions.

Architecture x
The beauty of parabolic curves is not just appreciated by mathematicians; it is also frequently
adopted by architects. The Allen Lambert Galleria is one example. This is an atrium in
downtown Toronto designed by Santiago Calatrava, a Spanish architect. This six-storey
structure is supported on each side by eight free-standing supports that branch out into
parabolic shapes, giving it the appearance of a forest canopy. The parabolically arched roof
makes this creation one of the most fascinating architectural designs.

Have you ever noticed that many bridges are made


parabolic? This is because of the stability the
parabolic shape provides. Suspension bridges, for
example, use parabolic curve cables. As a
suspension bridge is suspended from the tops of its
towers, the pressures on the cables are distributed
more efficiently compared to other forms (i.e.
straight lines) along a parabola. This parabolic
design ensures that the cables can support the
weight of hundreds of vehicles while keeping the
bridge upright, so that the bridge remains stable
against all the force that act on it.

Motion
In basketball, being able to shoot the ball into the hoop is crucial. Shooting a ball straight down
would be ideal but impractical since it requires the shooter to be right above the hoop.
Therefore, a parabola is employed to accomplish the goal of shooting the ball to score points.
The closer to the basket a shooter is, the higher the parabolic arc he or she needs to make; this
is why the preferred shooting angle is between 35˚ and 55˚.

In addition to this the concept of parabolic shape can be used in satellite dishes , headlights,
fountains and telescopes.

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