Problem Set #1

Title: Parabola and its Application

Direction: Show your solution and box the final answer and graph it using graphing paper and attached it
on the template.

I. Write the standard and general equation of the Parabola and show the graph.

1. vertex (1,9), focus (3,9)

2. vertex (8,3), directrix x =10.5

3. vertex (4,2), focus (4,1)

4. focus (7,11), directrix x = 1

5. focus (7,11), directrix y = 4

II. Application of Parabola. Write the complete solution with illustration for better analysis

6. A satellite dish is shaped like a paraboloid, with the receiver placed at the focus. It is to have a depth
of 0.44 m at the vertex, with the receiver placed 0.11 m away from the vertex. What should the
diameter of the satellite dish be?

7. A flashlight is shaped like a paraboloid, so that if its light bulb is placed at the focus, the light rays from
the bulb will then bounce o↵ the surface in a focused direction that is parallel to the axis. If the
paraboloid has a depth of 1.8 in and the diameter on its surface is 6 in, how far should the light source
be placed from the vertex?

8. The towers supporting the cable of a suspension bridge are 1200 m apart and 170 m above the bridge
it supports. Suppose the cable hangs, following the shape of a parabola, with its lowest point 20 m
above the bridge. How high is the cable 120 m away from a tower?

9. A rectangular field is to be inclosed and divided into three lots by parallels to the one sides. Find the
Dimension of the largest field that can be inclosed with 1000 yrds.

10. A rectangular lot is to be fenced off along the bank of the river. If no fence needed along the river,
find the dimension of the largest field that can be inclosed with 1000 yd of fencing.