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Locus and The Parabola: Terminology
Locus and The Parabola: Terminology
INTRODUCTION
THIS CHAPTER EXPANDS THE work on functions that you have already learned.
Locus
A relation can be described in two different ways. It can be a set of points that
obey certain conditions, or a single point that moves along a path according
to certain conditions.
A locus is the term used to describe the path of a single moving point
that obeys certain conditions.
579
580
EXAMPLES
Describe the locus of the following.
1. A pencil on the end of compasses.
Solution
The path of the pencil is a circle with centre at the point of the
compasses.
Solution
The body travels along a straight line parallel to the escalator.
Solution
If the door could swing right around it would follow a circle. So a door
closing swings through an arc of a circle.
Solution
Solution
The locus is 2 vertical lines with equations x = !3.
Class Discussion
Describe the path of a person abseiling down a cliff.
11.1 Exercises
Describe the locus of the following:
1.
2.
3.
a child on a swing
4.
5.
581
582
6.
7.
8.
9.
A locus describes a single point P ^ x, y h that moves along a certain path. The
equation of a locus can often be found by using P ^ x, y h together with the
information given about the locus.
EXAMPLES
1. Find the equation of the locus of a point P ^ x, y h that moves so that it
is always 3 units from the origin.
Solution
You may recognise this locus as a circle, centre ^ 0, 0 h radius 3 units. Its
equation is given by x 2 + y 2 = 9.
Alternatively, use the distance formula.
d=
2
2
_ x2 - x1 i + _ y2 - y1 i
or d 2 = _ x 2 - x 1 i2 + _ y 2 - y 1 i2
583
Place P anywhere on
the number plane.
Solution
2
PA
=
PB
1
PA = 2PB
PA 2 = ] 2PB g 2
= 4PB 2
[x - ^ - 3 h] 2 + ^ y - 1 h2 = 4 $ ^ x - 2 h 2 + [y - ^ - 2 h] 2 .
^ x + 3 h 2 + ^ y - 1 h2 = 4 [^ x - 2 h 2 + ^ y + 2 h 2 ]
2
x + 6x + 9 + y 2 - 2y + 1 = 4 ^ x 2 - 4x + 4 + y 2 + 4x + 4 h
= 4x 2 - 16x + 16 + 4y 2 + 16y + 16
0 = 3x 2 - 22x + 3y 2 + 18y + 22
or 3x 2 - 22x + 3y 2 + 18y + 22 = 0
i.e.
584
Solution
Solution
11.2 Exercises
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
585
586
PROBLEM
Can you see 2 mistakes in the solution to this question?
Find the locus of point P ^ x, y h that moves so that its perpendicular
distance from the line 12x + 5y - 1 = 0 is always 3 units.
Solution
Let P ^ x, y h be a point of the locus.
d=
3=
=
=
| ax 1 + by 1 + c |
a2 + b2
| 5x + 12y - 1|
5 2 + 12 2
| 5x + 12y - 1|
25 + 144
| 5x + 12y - 1|
169
| 5x + 12y - 1|
=
13
` 39 = 5x + 12y - 1
0 = 5x + 12y - 40
Can you find the correct locus?
Circle as a Locus
The locus of point P (x, y) that is always a constant distance from a fixed
point is a circle.
Proof
Find the equation of the locus of point P ^ x, y h that is always r units from the
origin.
Proof
Find the equation of the locus of point P ^ x, y h that is always r units from point
A ^ a, b h .
587
588
EXAMPLES
1. Find the equation of the locus of a point that is always 2 units from
the point ^ -1, 0 h .
Solution
This is a circle with radius 2 and centre ^ -1, 0 h . Its equation is in the form
^ x - a h 2 + ^ y - b h 2 = r2
i.e. [x - ^ -1 h] 2 + ^ y - 0 h 2 = 2 2
^ x + 1 h 2 + y2 = 4
x 2 + 2x + 1 + y 2 = 4
x 2 + 2x + y 2 - 3 = 0
2. Find the radius and the coordinates of the centre of the circle
x 2 + 2x + y 2 - 6y - 15 = 0.
Solution
You learned how to
complete the square in
Chapter 3.
6 2
To complete the square on y 2 - 6y, we add c m = 9.
2
x 2 + 2x + y 2 - 6y - 15 = 0
x 2 + 2x + y 2 - 6y = 15
2
x + 2x + 1 + y 2 - 6y + 9 = 15 + 1 + 9
^ x + 1 h 2 + ^ y - 3 h 2 = 25
^ x - ] - 1 g h 2 + ^ y - 3 h 2 = 52
The equation is in the form ^ x - a h 2 + ^ y - b h 2 = r 2 .
This is a circle, centre ^ -1, 3 h and radius 5.
11.3 Exercises
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
589
590
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
x2 x2 +
x2 x2 +
x2 +
x2 x2 +
10x + y 2 + 6y - 2 = 0
2x + y 2 - 2y + 1 = 0
12x + y 2 = 0
6x + y 2 - 8y = 0
20x + y 2 - 4y + 40 = 0
14x + y 2 + 2y + 25 = 0
2x + y 2 + 4y - 5 = 0
Parabola as a Locus
The locus of a point that is equidistant from a fixed point and a fixed line
is always a parabola. The fixed point is called the focus and the fixed line is
called the directrix.
591
592
The locus of a point that is equidistant from a fixed point and a fixed line
is always in the shape of a parabola.
If the fixed point is (0, a) and the fixed line is y = - a (where a 2 0), then
one of the equidistant points is the origin (0, 0). The distance between the
points (0, 0) and (0, a) is a units.
The point on y = - a directly below the origin is ^ 0, - a h and the distance
from (0, 0) to ^ 0, - a h is also a units.
y
(0, a)
a
x
a
(0, -a)
y =- a
To find the equation of the parabola, we use the general process to find
the equation of any locus. The features of the parabola have special names.
593
PARABOLA x 2 = 4 ay
The locus of point P ^ x, y h moving so that it is equidistant from the point
^ 0, a h and the line y = - a is a parabola with equation
x 2 = 4ay
Proof
Class Investigation
Find the equation of the locus if point P ^ x, y h is equidistant from ^ 0, - a h
and y = a.
594
EXAMPLES
1. Find the equation of the parabola whose focus has coordinates ^ 0, 2 h
and whose directrix has equation y = - 2.
Solution
The focus has coordinates in the form ^ 0, a h and the directrix has
equation in the form y = - a, where a = 2.
` the parabola is in the form x 2 = 4ay where a = 2
i.e. x 2 = 4 (2) y
x 2 = 8y
2.
(a) Find the coordinates of the focus and the equation of the directrix of
the parabola x 2 = 20y.
(b) Find the points on the parabola at the endpoints of the latus rectum
and find its length.
Solution
(a) The parabola x 2 = 20y is in the form x 2 = 4ay
4a = 20
` a=5
The focal length is 5 units.
We can find the coordinates of the focus and the equation of the
directrix in two ways.
Method 1:
Draw the graph x 2 = 20y and count 5 units up and down from the
origin as shown.
y
x2 = 20y
(0, 5)
5
x
5
(0, -5) y = -5
595
Method 2:
The focus is in the form (0, a) where a = 5.
So the focus is (0, 5).
The directrix is in the form y = - a where a = 5.
So the directrix is y = - 5.
(b) The latus rectum is a focal chord that is perpendicular to the axis of
the parabola as shown
y
x2 = 20 y
(0, 5)
x
The endpoints of the latus rectum will be where the line y = 5 and the
parabola intersect.
Substitute y = 5 into the parabola.
x 2 = 20y
= 20 ] 5 g
= 100
x = ! 100
= !10
So the endpoints are (-10, 5) and (10, 5).
y
x2 = 20 y
(-10, 5)
(0, 5)
(10, 5)
x
CONTINUED
596
Solution
The parabola x 2 = 4y is in the form x 2 = 4ay.
4a = 4
`a=1
The focal length is 1 unit.
The focus is 1 unit up from the origin at (0, 1) and the focal chord also
passes through (- 4, 4).
y
(-4, 4)
x2 = 4y
(0, 1)
x
We can find the equation of the line between (0, 1) and (- 4, 4) by using
either formula
y - y1
y2 - y1
y - y 1 = m _ x - x 1 i or x - x = x - x
1
2
1
y - y1
y2 - y1
x - x1 = x2 - x1
y -1
4 -1
=
x-0
-4 - 0
y -1
3
x = -4
- 4 ^ y - 1 h = 3x
- 4y + 4 = 3x
0 = 3x + 4y - 4
Proof
y
B(x, a)
y=a
x
P(x, y)
A(0, -a)
PA 2 = PB 2
2
^ x - 0 h 2 + 7 y - ^ - a h A = ^ x - x h 2 + ^ y - a h2
x 2 + ^ y + a h2 = ^ y - a h2
2
x + y 2 + 2ay + a 2 = y 2 - 2ay + a 2
x 2 = - 4ay
597
598
EXAMPLES
1. Find the equation of the parabola with focus ^ 0, - 4 h and directrix
y = 4.
Solution
If we draw this information, the focus is below the directrix as shown. So
the parabola will be concave downwards (the parabola always turns away
from the directrix).
y
y=4
4
x
4
(0, -4)
Solution
The parabola x 2 = -12y is in the form x 2 = - 4ay.
4a = 12
`a=3
The focal length is 3 units.
The vertex is (0, 0).
We can find the coordinates of the focus and the equation of the directrix
in two ways.
Method 1:
Draw the graph x 2 = -12y and count 3 units up and down from the
origin as shown. (The parabola is concave downward.)
y=3
3
x
3
(0, -3)
x2 = -12y
Solution
Vertex ^ 0, 0 h and axis given by x = 0 give a parabola in the form
x 2 = !4ay, since there is not enough information to tell whether it is
concave upwards or downwards.
This gives two possible parabolas.
CONTINUED
599
600
11.4 Exercises
1.
2.
3.
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
x 2 = 36y
x 2 = 40y
x 2 = 44y
x 2 = 12y
x 2 = 6y
x 2 = 10y
x 2 = 15y
4.
Find
(i) the coordinates of the
focus and
(ii) the equation of the
directrix of
(a) x 2 = - 4y
(b) x 2 = - 24y
(c) x 2 = - 8y
(d) x 2 = - 48y
(e) x 2 = - 20y
(f) x 2 = - 16y
(g) x 2 = - 32y
(h) x 2 = - 40y
(i) x 2 = - 2y
(j) x 2 = - 22y
5.
7.
8.
9.
601
602
Investigation
Sketch the parabola x = y 2. You may like to complete the table below to
help you with its sketch.
x
y
-3
-2
-1
Proof
Find the equation of the locus of point P ^ x, y h, which moves so that it is
equidistant from the point ^ a, 0 h and the line x = - a.
Coordinates of B are ^ - a, y h .
We want
PA = PB
i.e.
PA 2 = PB 2
^ x - a h 2 + ^ y - 0 h 2 = [x - ^ - a h 2 ] 2 + ^ y - y h 2
^ x - a h 2 + y2 = ^ x + a h 2
x 2 - 2ax + a 2 + y 2 = x 2 + 2ax + a 2
y 2 = 4ax
EXAMPLES
1. Find the equation of the parabola with focus (7, 0) and directrix
x = - 7.
Solution
If we draw this information, the focus is to the right of the directrix
as shown (the parabola always turns away from the directrix). So the
parabola turns to the right.
y
x=-7
7
(7, 0)
CONTINUED
603
604
Solution
The parabola y 2 = 32x is in the form y 2 = 4ax.
4a = 32
` a=8
The focal length is 8 units.
Method 1:
Draw the graph y 2 = 32x and count 8 units to the left and right from the
origin as shown. (The parabola turns to the right.)
y
x=-8
8
(8, 0)
y2 = 32x
2
PARABOLA y 2 = - 4 ax
The locus of a point P(x, y) moving so that it is equidistant from
the point ^ - a, 0 h and the line x = a is a parabola with equation
y 2 = - 4ax
Proof
y
P(x, y)
B(a, y)
A( - a, 0)
x=a
PA 2 = PB 2
7 x - ^ - a h A + ^ y - 0 h2 = ^ x - a h 2 + ^ y - y h 2
^ x + a h 2 + y2 = ^ x - a h 2
2
x 2 + 2ax + a 2 + y 2 = x 2 - 2ax + a 2
y 2 = - 4ax
605
606
EXAMPLES
1. Find the equation of the parabola with focus (- 4, 0) and directrix
x = 4.
Solution
Drawing this information shows that the parabola turns to the left.
y
4
x
( - 4, 0)
x=4
Solution
The parabola y 2 = - 2x is in the form y 2 = - 4ax.
4a = 2
` a=
1
2
1
unit.
2
Method 1:
1
Draw the graph y 2 = - 2x and count unit to the left and right from the
2
origin as shown. (The parabola turns to the left.)
y
1
2
- 1, 0
2
1
2
x
)
x=
1
2
1
1
units to the left, the focus is c - , 0 m .
2
2
1
1
Counting units to the right, the directrix has equation x = .
2
2
Counting
Method 2:
1
The focus is in the form (- a, 0) where a = .
2
1
So the focus is c - , 0 m .
2
1
The directrix is in the form x = a where a = .
2
1
So the directrix is x = .
2
11.5 Exercises
1.
2.
607
608
3.
4.
5.
Find
(i) the coordinates of the
focus and
(ii) the equation of the
directrix of
(a) y 2 = 8x
(b) y 2 = 12x
(c) y 2 = 16x
(d) y 2 = 4x
(e) y 2 = 28x
(f) y 2 = 32x
(g) y 2 = 24x
(h) y 2 = 36x
(i) y 2 = x
(j) y 2 = 18x
Find
(i) the coordinates of the
focus and
(ii) the equation of the
directrix of
(a) y 2 = - 8x
(b) y 2 = -12x
(c) y 2 = - 28x
(d) y 2 = - 4x
(e) y 2 = - 24x
(f) y 2 = - 52x
(g) y 2 = - 60x
(h) y 2 = - 2x
(i) y 2 = - 26x
(j) y 2 = - 5x
Find the equation of the parabola
with
(a) coordinates of the focus ^ 5, 0 h
and equation of the directrix
x = -5
(b) coordinates of the focus ^ 1, 0 h
and equation of the directrix
x = -1
(c) coordinates of the focus
^ - 4, 0 h and equation of the
directrix x = 4
(d) coordinates of the focus ^ 3, 0 h
and coordinates of the vertex
^ 0, 0 h
(e) coordinates of the vertex
^ 0, 0 h equation of the axis y = 0
and focal length 9
7.
8.
9.
1
10. Let R c , - 2 m be a point on the
5
parabola y 2 = 20x.
(a) Find the equation of the focal
chord passing through R.
(b) Find the coordinates of the
point Q where this chord cuts the
directrix.
(c) Find the area of DOFQ where
O is the origin and F is the focus.
(d) Find the perpendicular
distance from the chord to the
point P ^ -1, -7 h .
(e) Hence nd the area of DPQR.
609
Application
A parabolic satellite dish receives its signals through the focus. If the dish has
height 12 m and a span of 20 m, find where the focus should be placed, to the
nearest mm.
SOLUTION
The parabola is of the form x 2 = 4ay and passes through (10, 12) and (-10, 12)
Substituting (10, 12) gives
2
10 = 4a (12)
100 = 48a
2.083 = a
So the focus should be placed 2.083 m from the vertex.
1. x 2 = 4ay
y
x2 = 4ay
Focus
(0, a)
x
Directrix
y = -a
This is 2083 mm to
the nearest millimetre.
610
2. x 2 = - 4ay
y
Directrix
y=a
x
Focus
(0, -a)
x 2 = -4ay
3. y 2 = 4ax
y
Directrix
x = -a
Focus
(a, 0)
y 2 = 4a x
4. y 2 = - 4ax
y
Directrix
x=a
Focus
(-a, 0)
y2 = -4ax
General Parabola
When the parabola does not have its vertex at the origin, there is a more
general formula.
Since we use a to mean the focal length, we cannot use (a, b) as the
vertex. We use (h, k) instead.
Proof
Find the equation of the parabola with vertex ^ h, k h and focal length a.
B has coordinates ^ x, k - a h .
We want
PF = PB
i.e.
PF 2 = PB 2
^ x - h h 2 + [ y - ^ k + a h] 2 = ^ x - x h 2 + [ y - ^ k + a h] 2
^x - hh2 + ^ y - k - ah2 = ^ y - k + ah2
^x - hh2 = ^ y - k + ah2- ^ y - k - ah2
= [^ y - k + a h + ^ y - k - a h ] # [^ y - k + a h - ^ y - k - a h ]
^ difference of two squares h
= ^ 2y - 2k h ^ 2a h
= 4ay - 4ak
= 4a ^ y - k h
611
612
EXAMPLES
1. Find the equation of the parabola with focus ^ 2, 3 h and directrix with
equation y = - 7.
Solution
Coordinates of B are ^ 2, -7 h .
The vertex is the midpoint of ^ 2, 3 h and ^ 2, -7 h .
` vertex = ^ 2, - 2 h
Focal length is the distance from the focus to the vertex.
`
a=5
From the diagram the parabola is concave upwards.
The equation is in the form
^ x - h h 2 = 4a ^ y - k h
i.e.
^ x - 2 h 2 = 4 ^ 5 h [ y - ^ - 2 h]
= 20 ^ y + 2 h
x 2 - 4x + 4 = 20y + 40
x 2 - 4x - 20y - 36 = 0
2. Find the coordinates of the vertex and the focus, and the equation of
the directrix, of the parabola with equation x 2 + 6x - 12y - 3 = 0.
613
Solution
Complete the square on x.
x 2 + 6x - 12y - 3 = 0
x 2 + 6x = 12y + 3
x 2 + 6x + 9 = 12y + 3 + 9
^ x + 3 h2 = 12y + 12
= 12 (y + 1)
So the parabola has equation ^ x + 3 h2 = 12 ^ y + 1 h .
Its vertex has coordinates ^ - 3, -1 h .
4a = 12
` a=3
The parabola is concave upwards as it is in the form ^ x - h h 2 = 4a ^ y - k h .
Proof
Find the equation of the concave downwards parabola with vertex (h, k) and
focal length a.
It is easy to find
the focus and the
directrix by counting
along the y-axis.
614
y=k+a
P (x, y)
F (h , k - a)
B has coordinates ^ x, k + a h .
We want
PF = PB
PF 2 = PB 2
2
2
^x - hh2 + 7y - ^k - ahA = ^x - xh2 + 7y - ^k + ahA
2
2
2
^x - hh + ^y - k + ah = ^y - k - ah
^x - hh2 = ^y - k - ah2- ^y - k + ah2
= 7^y - k - ah + ^y - k + ahA7^y - k - ah - ^y - k + ahA
(difference of two squares)
= ^ 2y - 2k h ^ - 2a h
= - 4ay + 4ak
= - 4a ^ y - k h
EXAMPLES
1. Find the equation of the parabola with focus (- 2, 1) and directrix
y = 3.
Solution
y
1
1
(-2, 1)
y=3
2
1
-2 -1
2
7x - ^ -2 h A = -4 ]1 g^ y - 2 h
^ x + 2h 2 = -4^ y - 2h
x 2 + 4x + 4 = - 4y + 8
x 2 + 4x + 4y - 4 = 0.
2. Find the coordinates of the vertex and focus, and the equation of the
directrix of the parabola x 2 - 8x + 8y - 16 = 0.
CONTINUED
615
616
Solution
Complete the square on x.
x 2 - 8x + 8y - 16 = 0
x 2 - 8x = - 8y + 16
x 2 - 8x + 16 = - 8y + 16 + 16
^ x - 4 h2 = - 8y + 32
= -8^ y - 4h
So the parabola has equation ^ x - 4 h 2 = - 8 ^ y - 4 h .
Its vertex has coordinates (4, 4).
4a = 8
`a=2
The parabola is concave downwards as it is in the form
^ x - h h 2 = - 4a ^ y - k h .
y
y=6
(4, 4)
4
3
2
(4, 2)
2
1
1
Proof
Find the equation of the parabola that turns to the right with vertex (h, k) and
focal length a.
Counting a units to the right from the vertex V gives the focus F = ^ h + a, k h .
Counting a units to the left from the vertex V gives the point on the directrix
D = ^ h - a, k h .
So the equation of the directrix is given by x = h - a.
We find the equation of the locus of P(x, y) that is equidistant from point
F ^ h + a, k h and line x = h - a.
x=h-a
P (x, y)
F (h +a, k)
B has coordinates ^ h - a, y h .
We want
PF = PB
PF 2 = PB 2
2
2
7x - ^h + ahA + ^y - kh2 = 7x - ^h - ahA + ^y - y h2
^x - h - ah2+ ^y - kh2 = ^x - h - ah2
^y - kh2 = ^x - h + ah2- ]x - h - ag2
617
618
EXAMPLES
1. Find the equation of the parabola with focus (1, -1) and directrix
x = - 5.
Solution
y
x = -5
5
4
3
2
1
1 2 3 4 5
(1, -1)
-5 -4 -3 -2 -1
B
-2
-3
2
7 y - ^ -1 h A = 4 ] 3 g 7 x - ^ - 2 h A
^ y + 1 h 2 = 12 ] x + 2 g
y 2 + 2y + 1 = 12x + 24
y 2 + 2y - 12x - 23 = 0
2. Find the coordinates of the vertex and focus, and the equation of the
directrix of the parabola y 2 + 12y - 4x - 8 = 0.
Solution
Complete the square on y.
y 2 + 12y - 4x - 8 = 0
y 2 + 12y = 4x + 8
y 2 + 12y + 36 = 4x + 8 + 36
^ y + 6 h 2 = 4x + 44
= 4 ^ x + 11 h
So the parabola has equation ^ y + 6 h2 = 4 ^ x + 11 h
or 7 y - ] - 6 g A 2 = 4 6 x - ] -11 g @ .
Its vertex has coordinates (-11, - 6).
4a = 4
` a=1
The parabola turns to the right as it is in the form ^ y - k h 2 = 4a ^ x - h h .
y
x = -12
x
(-11, -6)
1
(-10, -6)
619
620
Proof
Find the equation of the parabola that turns to the left with vertex (h, k) and
focal length a.
Counting a units to the left from the vertex V gives the focus F = ^ h - a, k h.
Counting a units to the right from the vertex V gives the point on the directrix
D = ^ h + a, k h.
So the equation of the directrix is given by x = h + a.
We find the equation of the locus of P(x, y) that is equidistant from point
F ^ h - a, k h and line x = h + a.
y
x=h+a
B
P (x, y)
F (h -a, k)
B has coordinates ^ h + a, y h .
We want
PF = PB
PF 2 = PB 2
2
7x - ^h - ahA + ^y - kh2 = 7x - ^h + ahA + ^y - y h2
^x - h + ah2+ ^y - kh2 = ^x - h - ah2
2
EXAMPLES
1. Find the equation of the parabola with focus (2, 1) and directrix x = 3.
Solution
y
x=3
1 1
2 2
1
(2, 1)
1
(2 2x, 1)
^ y - k h 2 = - 4a ^ x - h h
1
1
i.e.
^y - 1h2 = -4c m cx - 2 m
2
2
1
2
^y - 1h = -2cx - 2 m
2
y 2 - 2y + 1 = - 2x + 5
y 2 - 2y + 2x - 4 = 0
2. Find the coordinates of the vertex and focus, and the equation of the
directrix of the parabola y 2 + 4y + 8x - 4 = 0.
CONTINUED
621
622
Solution
Complete the square on y.
y 2 + 4y + 8x - 4 = 0
y 2 + 4y = - 8 x + 4
y 2 + 4y + 4 = - 8x + 4 + 4
^ y + 2 h 2 = - 8x + 8
= -8 ]x - 1 g
So the parabola has equation ^ y + 2 h2 = - 8 ] x - 1 g
or 7 y - ] - 2 g A 2 = - 8 ] x - 1 g .
Its vertex has coordinates ^ 1, - 2 h .
4a = 8
` a=2
The parabola turns to the left as it is in the form ^ y - k h 2 = - 4a ^ x - h h
y
x=3
1
-3 -2 -1
1
-1
(-1, -2)
-22
(1, -2)
11.6 Exercises
1.
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
x 2 - 12x - 8y - 20 = 0
x 2 + 14x + 16y + 1 = 0
x 2 - 4x + 4y - 16 = 0
x 2 + 18x - 12y + 9 = 0
x 2 + 2x - 8y - 7 = 0
x 2 - 6 x + 4y + 1 = 0
2.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
3.
4.
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
x2
x2
x2
x2
+ 2x + 8y - 15 = 0
- 4 x + 4y = 0
- 8x + 12y + 4 = 0
+ 4x + 16y - 12 = 0
5.
Find
(i) the coordinates of the focus and
(ii) the equation of the directrix of
(a) y 2 + 2y - 4x - 3 = 0
(b) y 2 - 8y - 12x + 4 = 0
(c) y 2 - 6y - 8x - 7 = 0
(d) y 2 + 4y - 16x - 12 = 0
(e) y 2 - 2y - 24x + 25 = 0
(f) y 2 + 10y + 8x + 1 = 0
(g) y 2 + 14y + 4x + 1 = 0
(h) y 2 - 12y + 20x - 4 = 0
(i) y 2 - 4y + 32x - 28 = 0
(j) y 2 + 6y + 40x + 29 = 0
6.
7.
8.
9.
623
624
De Witt was well known as the Grand Pensionary of Holland. He took part in the politics
and wars of his time, opposing Louis XIV. When the French invaded Holland in 1672, De Witt
was seized and killed.
EXAMPLES
1. Find the gradient of the tangent to the parabola x 2 = 8y at the point
^ 4, 2 h .
Solution
x 2 = 8y
x2
y=
8
dy
2x
=
8
dx
x
=
4
CONTINUED
625
626
dy
4
4
=1
So the gradient of the tangent at ^ 4, 2 h is 1.
At ^ 4, 2 h,
dx
Solution
x 2 = 4y
dy
dx
At (- 8, 16):
x2
4
2x
=
4
x
=
2
-8
=
2
= -4
= - 4.
y=
So
dy
dx
] - 4 g m 2 = -1
m2 =
1
4
1
[x - (- 8)]
4
1
= (x + 8 )
4
4y - 64 = x + 8
0 = x - 4y + 72.
y - 16 =
11.7 Exercises
1.
3.
2.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
627
628
EXAMPLE
Write y = 3x + 1 in parametric form.
Solution
There are many different ways this can be done.
For example: Given parameter p
(a) Let x = p
Then y = 3x + 1
= 3p + 1
So parametric equations are x = p, y = 3p + 1.
(b) Let x = p - 5
Then y = 3x + 1
= 3^ p - 5h + 1
= 3p - 15 + 1
= 3p - 14
So parametric equations are x = p - 5, y = 3p - 14.
There are many different ways to write parametric equations. Can you
find some more for the example above?
We can also change parametric equations back into Cartesian form.
EXAMPLES
1. Find the Cartesian equation of x = 3t + 1, y = 2t - 3.
Solution
We use the process for solving simultaneous equations to eliminate the
parameter.
]1 g
x = 3t + 1
]2 g
y = 2t - 3
From (1)
x - 1 = 3t
x -1
=t
3
Substitute in (2)
y = 2t - 3
x -1
m-3
3
3y = 2 ] x - 1 g - 9
= 2x - 2 - 9
= 2x - 11
0 = 2x - 3y - 11
= 2c
Solution
x = 2q
]1 g
y=q -3
]2 g
From (1)
x = 2q
x
=q
2
Substitute in (2)
y = q2 - 3
x 2
=c m -3
2
x2
=
-3
4
4y = x 2 - 12
0 = x 2 - 4y - 12
Proof
Substitute x = 2at into x 2 = 4ay
^ 2at h2 = 4ay
4a 2 t 2 = 4ay
at 2 = y
` x = 2at and y = at 2 satisfy the equation x 2 = 4ay
Class Investigation
1. How would you write x 2 = - 4ay in parametric form?
2. How would you write y 2 = 4ax in parametric form?
3. How would you write y 2 = - 4ax in parametric form?
629
630
Proof
Substitute x = 2at into x 2 = - 4ay
^ 2at h2 = - 4ay
4a 2 t 2 = - 4ay
at 2 = - y
- at 2 = y
` x = 2at and y = - at 2 satisfy the equation x 2 = - 4ay.
Proof
Substitute y = 2at into y 2
] 2at g2
4a 2 t 2
at 2
= 4ax
= 4ax
= 4ax
=x
Proof
Substitute y = 2at into y 2
] 2at g2
4a 2 t 2
at 2
- at 2
= - 4ax
= - 4ax
= - 4ax
= -x
=x
631
EXAMPLES
1. Given the parabola x = 4t and y = 2t 2, find
(a) its Cartesian equation
(b) the points on the parabola when t = !2.
Solution
(a) x = 4t
x
` 4 =t
Substitute into y = 2t 2:
x 2
y = 2c m
4
2x 2
=
16
x2
=
8
8y = x 2
(b) When t = 2
x = 4^2h
=8
y = 2 ^ 2 h2
=8
When t = - 2
x = 4^-2h
= -8
y = 2 ^ - 2 h2
=8
Solution
Method 1:
We can find the Cartesian equation.
x = -12t
]1g
]2g
y = - 6t
From ] 1 g
x = -12t
x
=t
-12
2
CONTINUED
632
Substitute in (2)
y = - 6t 2
x 2
m
-12
x2
= -6c
m
144
x2
=24
- 24y = x 2
= -6c
y=6
6
x
6
(0, - 6)
Method 2:
The equations x = -12t, y = - 6t 2 are in the form x = - 2at, y = - at 2 .
` a=6
The equations satisfy x 2 = - 4ay
x2 = - 4 ] 6 g y
= - 24y
This is a concave downward parabola with focus ^ 0, - a h and directrix
y = a.
So focus = ^ 0, - 6 h and directrix has equation y = 6.
3. Write x 2 = 32y as a set of parametric equations.
Solution
4a = 32
So a = 8
Equations are in the form x = 2at, y = at 2 .
So x = 2 ] 8 g t, y = 8t 2
x = 16t, y = 8t 2
Solution
4a = 12
a=3
Equations are in the form x = at 2, y = 2at
So x = 3t 2, y = 2 ] 3 g t
x = 3t 2, y = 6t
11.8 Exercises
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
633
634
7.
8.
9.
1
^ p + q h x + apq = 0
2
Proof
y2 - y1
m= x -x
2
1
=
=
=
ap 2 - aq 2
2ap - 2aq
a _ p2 - q2 i
2a ^ p - q h
a ^ p + qh^ p - qh
2a ^ p - q h
p+q
=
2
Proof
x 2 = 4ay has focus (0, a).
1
PQ has equation y - ^ p + q h x + apq = 0.
2
For PQ to be a focal chord, it passes through (0, a).
1
i.e. a - (p + q) $ 0 + apq = 0
2
a + apq = 0
apq = - a
pq = -1
The tangent to the parabola x 2 = 4ay at the point P(2ap, ap2) has gradient
p and equation given by y - px + ap 2 = 0
Proof
x 2 = 4ay
x2
` y=
4a
dy
2x
=
4
a
dx
x
=
2a
At P ^ 2ap, ap 2 h
dy
2ap
=
2a
dx
=p
The equation formula is
y - y1 = m _ x - x1 i
`
y - ap 2 = p ^ x - 2ap h
= px - 2ap 2
` y - px + ap 2 = 0
Proof
Equation of tangent at P is
Equation of tangent at Q is
y - px + ap 2 = 0
y - qx + aq 2 = 0
(1)
( 2)
635
636
(1) (2).
- px + qx + ap 2 - aq 2 = 0
x ( q - p ) = a (q 2 - p 2 )
= a (q + p) (q - p)
x = a (q + p)
Substitute in (1):
y - p $ a (q + p) + ap 2 = 0
y - apq - ap 2 + ap 2 = 0
y = apq
` point of intersection is [a ^ p + q h , apq @
1
The normal to the curve x 2 = 4ay at point P _ 2ap, ap 2 i has gradient p
and equation given by x + py = ap 3 + 2ap
Proof
Tangent at P has gradient p.
For perpendicular lines, m 1 m 2 = - 1
1
` normal has gradient - .
p
The equation formula is
y - y1 = m _ x - x1 i
1
` y - ap 2 = - ^ x - 2ap h
p
p (y - ap 2) = - (x - 2ap)
py - ap 3 = - x + 2ap
x + py = ap 3 + 2ap
Proof
Equation of normal at P is
Equation of normal at Q is
x + py = ap 3 + 2ap
x + qy = aq 3 + 2aq
(1) - (2):
py - qy = ap 3 - aq 3 + 2ap - 2aq
( 1)
(2 )
y ^ p - q h = a _ p 3 - q 3 i + 2a ^ p - q h
= a ^ p - q h _ p 2 + pq + q 2 i + 2a ^ p - q h
y = a _ p 2 + pq + q 2 i + 2a
= a _ p 2 + pq + q 2 + 2 i
Substitute in (1):
x + p $ a (p 2 + pq + q 2 + 2) = ap 3 + 2ap
x + ap 3 + ap 2 q + apq 2 + 2ap = ap 3 + 2ap
x = - ap 2 q - apq 2
= - apq (p + q)
Solution
When t = 3
x = 2a ^ 3 h
= 6a
When t = 2
x = 2a ^ - 2 h
x = - 4a
y = a ^ 3 h2
= 9a
y = a ^ - 2 h2
= 4a
Solution
x 2 = 8y
x2
` y=
8
637
638
dy
dx
2x
8
x
=
4
=
At (4t, 2t2)
dy
4t
=
4
dx
=t
The equation formula is
y - y1 = m _ x - x1 i
` y - 2t 2 = t ^ x - 4 t h
= tx - 4t 2
`
0 = tx - y - 2t 2
The equations of the tangent, normal and chord can also be derived from
points in Cartesian form rather than parametric form.
If point A(x1, y1) lies on the parabola x 2 = 4ay, then the equation of the
tangent at A is given by
xx 1 = 2a _ y + y 1 i
Proof
x2
4a
dy
2x
=
4a
dx
x
=
2a
y=
At (x1, y1)
dy
dx
x1
2a
(since x 12 = 4ay 1)
If point A (x1, y1) lies on the parabola x 2 = 4ay, then the equation of the
normal at A is given by
2a
y - y1 = - x _ x - x1 i
1
Proof
x2
4a
dy
2x
=
4a
dx
x
=
2a
y=
At (x1, y1)
dy
dx
x1
2a
For normal, m 1 m 2 = 1
2a
m2 = - x
`
1
The equation formula is
y - y1 = m _ x - x1 i
2a
` y - y1 = - x ^ x - x1 h
1
Proof
1
^ p + q h x + apq = 0.
2
639
640
(1)
(2)
(3)
EXAMPLE
1
1
Tangents are drawn from the point c , - m to the points P and Q on the
2
2
parabola x 2 = 4y. Find the equation of the chord of contact PQ and the
coordinates of P and Q.
Solution
x 2 = 4y
` 4a = 4
a=1
PQ has equation xx 1 = 2a _ y + y 1 i where x 1 =
1
1
and y 1 = - .
2
2
1
1
x = 2cy - m
2
2
= 2y - 1
x = 4y - 2
` x - 4y + 2 = 0 is the equation of the chord of contact.
To find P and Q, solve simultaneous equations.
x 2 = 4y
x - 4y + 2 = 0
From (2):
x + 2 = 4y
Substitute into (1):
x2 = x + 2
x -x-2=0
(x - 2) (x + 1) = 0
`
x = 2, -1
2
(1)
(2)
( 3)
1
m.
4
11.9 Exercises
1.
Find the
(i) gradient and
(ii) equation of chord AB on the
parabola
(a) x 2 = 16y where
A = _ 8t, 4t 2 i and
B = _ 8n , 4n 2 i
(b) x 2 = 8y where
A = _ 4p, 2p 2 i and
B = _ 4q , 2q 2 i
(c) x 2 = 12y where
A = _ 6m, 3m 2 i and
B = _ 6n , 3n 2 i
(d) x 2 = 20y where
A = _ 10p, 5p 2 i and
B = _ 10q, 5q 2 i
(e) x 2 = 4y where
A = _ 2a, a 2 i and B = _ 2b, b 2 i
(f) x 2 = - 8y where
A = _ 4p, - 2p 2 i and
B = _ 4 q , - 2q 2 i
(g) x 2 = - 24y where
A = _ 12a, - 6a 2 i and
B = _ 12b, - 6b 2 i
(h) x 2 = -16y where
A = _ - 8p, - 4p 2 i and
B = _ - 8q, - 4 q 2 i
(i) x 2 = - 4y where
A = _ 2s, - s 2 i and
B = _ 2t , - t 2 i
Find
(i) the gradient of the tangent,
(ii) the gradient of the normal,
(iii) the equation of the tangent and
(iv) the equation of the normal
to the curve
(a) x 2 = 4y at the point
(2p, p2)
(b) x 2 = 12y at the point
(6q, 3q2)
(c) x 2 = 8y at the point
(4t, 2t2)
(d) x 2 = 20y at the point
(10n, 5n2)
(e) x 2 = 24y at the point
(12p, 6p2)
(f) x 2 = -16y at the point
(8k, - 4k2)
(g) x 2 = - 4y at the point
(- 2q, - q 2)
(h) x 2 = - 8y at the point
(4t, - 2t 2)
(i) x 2 = - 12y at the point
(- 6m, - 3m 2)
(j) x 2 = - 32y at the point
(16a, - 8a2)
641
642
3.
4.
5.
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
x 2 = 12y
x 2 = 20y
x 2 = - 4y
x 2 = - 24y
x 2 = - 8y
x 2 = -16y
x 2 = - 36y
6.
7.
8.
9.
9t 2 n
is given
2
by 2x + 2ty + 9t 3 + 18t = 0.
10. Derive the equation of the
normal to the parabola x 2 = 4ay
at the point _ 2at, at 2 i .
11. Find the equation of the chord of
contact of tangents drawn from
the external point ^ 3, -1 h to the
parabola x 2 = 8y.
12. Show that 3x + 4y + 4 = 0 is
a focal chord of the parabola
x 2 = - 4 y.
13. Show that if PQ is a focal chord
of x 2 = 4ay where P is the point
_ 2ap, ap 2 i and Q is the point
_ 2aq, aq 2 i then pq = -1.
14. Find the point of intersection of
the tangents to the curve
1
x 2 = 12y at ^ - 6, 3 h and c 2, m .
3
The tangents at the end of a focal chord intersect at right angles on the
directrix.
643
644
Proof
Let PQ be a focal chord of x 2 = 4ay where P = _ 2ap, ap 2 i and Q = _ 2aq, aq 2 i .
Then pq = -1
Tangent at P has gradient m 1 = p
Tangent at Q has gradient m 2 = q
pq = -1
i.e. m 1 m 2 = -1
` the tangents are perpendicular
Tangents intersect at [a ^ p + q h , apq @
i.e. y = apq
But pq = - 1
`
y = -a
This is the equation of the directrix.
` tangents intersect on the directrix
EXAMPLE
1
m and Q ^ - 8, - 8 h lie on the parabola x 2 = - 8y.
2
(a) Find the equation of line PQ.
(b) Show that PQ is a focal chord.
(c) Prove that the tangents at P and Q intersect at right angles on the
directrix.
Points P c 2, -
Solution
(a) Equation of PQ
y - y1
y2 - y1
x - x1 = x2 - x1
1
- +8
y+8
2
=
x+8
2+8
3
=
4
4y + 32 = 3x + 24
0 = 3x - 4y - 8
(1)
(b)
x 2 = - 8y
` 4a = 8
a=2
Focus = (0, - 2)
x2
8
dy
x
=4
dx
dy
2
=At P,
4
dx
1
=2
y=-
x + 2y - 1 = 0
At Q ,
dy
dx
=-
]-8g
4
=2
0 = 2x - y + 8
P has gradient m 1 = -
1
2
Q has gradient m 2 = 2
1
#2
2
= -1
m1 m2 = -
]1 g
]2 g
]3 g
645
646
10 = 5y
2=y
Substitute in (1)
x+4-1=0
x = -3
` point of intersection is ^ - 3, 2 h
The directrix has equation y = a
i.e.
y=2
The point ^ - 3, 2 h lies on the line y = 2
` the tangents meet on the directrix.
Proof
FP = PR ^ definition of a parabola h
PR = PS + SR
= ap 2 + a
` FP = ap 2 + a
Tangent PQ has equation y - px + ap 2 = 0
At Q , x = 0
y - 0 + ap 2 = 0
y = - ap 2
`
Q = _ 0, - ap 2 i
FQ = FO + OQ
= a + ap 2
= FP
Application
This property of the parabolathat is, that the tangent at P is equally inclined to
the axis of the parabola and the focal chord through Pis used in many practical
applications, including telescopes, headlights and radar.
Class Investigation
Explore the use of the parabola in everyday life. You could go on an
excursion to the Observatory, the physics section of a university, an optics
manufacturer, an engineering company or a camera manufacturer.
Write about the use of the parabola in any of the above applications, or
any others you can think of.
647
648
Locus Problems
EXAMPLES
1. Find the locus of the midpoints of the chords in the parabola x 2 = 4ay
that pass through (0, 2).
Solution
Equation of chord PQ where P = _ 2ap, ap 2 i and Q = _ 2aq, aq 2 i is given by
1
y - ^ p + q h x + apq = 0.
2
If PQ passes through (0, 2):
2-
1
(p + q) 0 + apq = 0
2
apq = - 2
]1 g
]2 g
]3 g
1 ; b x l2
a a - 2pq E
2
x2
2y = a - 2apq
x2
= a +4
2ay = x 2 + 4a
x 2 = 2ay - 4a
= 2a ( y - 2)
y=
6 from ] 1 g @
a
.
2
2. Points P(2ap, ap2) and Q(2aq, aq2) lie on the parabola x 2 = 4ay and
chord PQ passes through ^ 0, - 4a h. Find the locus of the intersection of
the normals drawn from P and Q.
649
Solution
1
^ p + q h x + apq = 0.
2
PQ passes through ^ 0, - 4a h
1
` - 4a - (p + q) 0 + apq = 0
2
apq = 4a
pq = 4
PQ has equation y -
( 1)
x = - apq ^ p + q h
= - 4a ^ p + q h
[from (1)]
x
=p+q
- 4a
y = a ^ p 2 + pq + q 2 + 2 h
= a ^ p2 + 4 + q2 + 2 h
(2)
= a _ p2 + q2 + 6 i
y
2
2
a =p +q +6
= ^ p + q h2 - 2pq + 6
= ^ p + q h2 - 8 + 6
= ^ p + q h2 - 2
x2
=
-2
16a 2
y
x2
a + 2 = 16a 2
16ay + 32a 2 = x 2
[from (2)]
16a ^ y + 2a h = x 2
11.10 Exercises
1.
2.
4.
650
6.
7.
8.
9.
(a) Show pq = 4.
(b) Find the equation of the locus
of the midpoint of PQ.
(c) Show that this locus is a
parabola, and find its vertex and
focal length.
13. Find the locus of the midpoint
of PF where P is the point
(2ap, ap2) on the parabola
x 2 = 4ay and F is its focus.
14. (a) Find the point of intersection
T of the tangents at P(2ap, ap2)
and Q(2aq, aq2) on the parabola
x 2 = 4ay.
(b) Given that PQ passes through
(0, 6a), find the equation of the
locus of T.
15. Normals to the parabola
x = 2at, y = at 2 from points
P(2ap, ap2) and Q(2aq, aq2)
intersect at N. Find the equation
of the locus of N if PQ passes
through the point (0, 3a).
Class Investigation
Can you spot 6 mistakes in the solution to this question?
Find the equation of the normal to the parabola x 2 = 4ay at the point
P(2ap, ap2).
SOLUTION
x 2 = 4ay
x2
y=
`
4a
dy
x
=4a
dx
dy
ap 2
At P,
=
4a
dx
p2
m1 =
`
4
For normal, m 1 m 2 = - 1
p2
m = -1
4 2
4
m2 = 2
p
if y - y 1 = m _ x - x 1 i
4
y - 2ap = 2 _ x - ap 2 i
p
p 2 y - 2ap 2 = 4 _ x - ap 2 i
= 4x - 4ap 2
`
p 2 y = 4x + 2ap 2
i.e.
651
652
Test Yourself 11
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Find
(a) the equation of the directrix and
(b) the coordinates of the focus of the
parabola x 2 = - 8y.
8.
9.
Challenge Exercise 11
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
653
654
8.
9.