Parabola

For any 2nd degree equation ax2+by2+2gx+2fy+2hxy+c=0, . For any conic

h2 ab = e2-1.
Vertex divides the join of foot of perpendicular (Z) and focus in the ratio e:1.
In a parabola the second degree term always makes a perfect square.
For parabola e=1, hence h2=ab and .
Focal length of a point on the parabola is a+|x|(for y2= 4ax) and a+|y|(for
x2= 4ay.
Parametric form of the parabola :
o y2=4ax x=at2, y=2at
o y =-4ax
2 x=-at2, y=2at
o x =4ay
2 y=at2, x=2at
o x =-4ay
2 y=-at2, x=2at
To find reflection of any conic about a line, first write the parametric coordinates of
the curve and find its reflection. Eliminate the parameter by forming the equation
from new coordinates, this gives th required curve.
A point lies inside the parabola if S1<0, on if S1=0 and out if S1>0.
Let y=mx+c be a chord to the parabola y2=mx+c and it cuts the parabola at two
points (x1,y1) and (x2,y2), then:
y1=mx1+c and y2=mx2+c. Subtracting the two we get y2-y1=m(x2-x1)
therefore Length of Common Chord = |x2-x1| = .
Slope of any chord is given by (in parametric form) = , where P(t1) and P(t2) are
the two point on parabola.
Equation of chord in parametric form is given by y(t1+t2) - 2x = 2at1t2
o t1+t2=0, if P(t1) and P(t2) are the extremeties of double ordinate.
o t1t2=-1, if the chord is a focal chord.
o Length of focal chord(in parametric form)=|a(t1-t2)2| , also t1t2=-1
Semi-latus rectum of a parabola is the H.M. of any focal chord i.e.

Circle described on focal length as diameter touches the tangent

at the vertex.
Circle described on focal chord as diameter touches the directrix.
Point of contact of tangent y=mx+c and parabola y2=4ax, is and the
condition for tangency is .
Point of intersection of two tangents at A(t1) and B(t2) is (at1t2, a(t1+t2)) or
(G.M. of abssica, A.M. of ordinate). Locus of foot of perpendicular from focus on any
tangent lies on the tangent at vertex.
Length of tangent between the point of contact and the point where it meets the
directrix subtends a right angle at the focus.
The point of intersection of two perpendicular tangents lies on directrix and the join
of two points of contact is sure to be a focal chord. Image of focus about any of the
tangents lies on the directrix.
The circumcircle of the triangle formed by intersection of any three tangents of the
parabola, passes through the focus.
If the naormal at P(t1) intersects the parabola again at Q(t2) then t2= -t1-
Conormal Points: if P(h, k) be a point in the interior of parabola y24ax form where
normals are drawn then the condition for slope of normals is

Parabola Page 1
 am3+(2a-h)m+k=0, whose roots are m1, m2, m3
o m1+m2+m3=0
o m1m2+m2m3+m3m1=
o m1m2m3= -
The sum of ordinate of conormal point is zero. Centroid of the triangle formed by
three conormal points lies on the x-axis.

Parabola Page 2