Question:

An equilateral triangle is inscribed in the parabola y$^2$ = 4x one of whose vertex is at the vertex of the parabola, the length of each side of the triangle is

Updated On: Apr 28, 2024
  • $\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}$
  • $4\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}$
  • $8\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}$
  • $8\sqrt{3}$
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

The correct option is(D): \(8\sqrt{3}\).

Let AB = \(\ell , \, then \, \, AM \, = \ell cos 30^{?} \, = \frac{\ell \sqrt{3}}{2}\) 
& BM = \(\ell \, sin 30^{?} \, = \frac{\ell}{2}\)
 



So, the coordinates of B are \(\bigg( \frac{\ell \sqrt{3}}{2}, \frac{\ell}{2}\bigg)\) 
Since, B lies on \(y^2 \, = \, 4x\)
\(\therefore \, \, \frac{\ell^2}{4}=4\bigg(\frac{\ell \sqrt{3}}{2}\bigg)\)
\(\Rightarrow \, \, \ell^2 \, \frac{16}{2}. \sqrt{3\ell} \, \, \Rightarrow \, \, =8\sqrt{3}\)

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Concepts Used:

Parabola

Parabola is defined as the locus of points equidistant from a fixed point (called focus) and a fixed-line (called directrix).

Parabola


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Standard Equation of a Parabola

For horizontal parabola

  • Let us consider
  • Origin (0,0) as the parabola's vertex A,
  1. Two equidistant points S(a,0) as focus, and Z(- a,0) as a directrix point,
  2. P(x,y) as the moving point.
  • Let us now draw SZ perpendicular from S to the directrix. Then, SZ will be the axis of the parabola.
  • The centre point of SZ i.e. A will now lie on the locus of P, i.e. AS = AZ.
  • The x-axis will be along the line AS, and the y-axis will be along the perpendicular to AS at A, as in the figure.
  • By definition PM = PS

=> MP2 = PS2 

  • So, (a + x)2 = (x - a)2 + y2.
  • Hence, we can get the equation of horizontal parabola as y2 = 4ax.

For vertical parabola

  • Let us consider
  • Origin (0,0) as the parabola's vertex A
  1. Two equidistant points, S(0,b) as focus and Z(0, -b) as a directrix point
  2. P(x,y) as any moving point
  • Let us now draw a perpendicular SZ from S to the directrix.
  • Then SZ will be the axis of the parabola. Now, the midpoint of SZ i.e. A, will lie on P’s locus i.e. AS=AZ.
  • The y-axis will be along the line AS, and the x-axis will be perpendicular to AS at A, as shown in the figure.
  • By definition PM = PS

=> MP2 = PS2

So, (b + y)2 = (y - b)2 + x2

  • As a result, the vertical parabola equation is x2= 4by.