Question:

Find the equation of the parabola that satisfies the following conditions: Vertex \((0, 0)\), passing through \((5, 2) \)and symmetric with respect to the y-axis

Updated On: Oct 20, 2023
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Solution and Explanation

Given that, the vertex is \((0, 0)\) and the parabola is symmetric about the \(y-axis\)

the equation of the parabola is either of the form \(x^2= 4ay\) or \(x^2= -4ay. \)
The parabola passes through the point \((5, 2)\), which lies in the first quadrant. 
Therefore, the equation of the parabola is of the form \(x^2= 4ay\), while point \((5, 2)\) must satisfy the equation \(x^2= 4ay\)

\(∴ 5^2 = 4a(2)\)

\(25 = 8a\)

\(a = \dfrac{25}{8}\)
Thus, the equation of the parabola is 

\(x^2 = 4 (\dfrac{25}{8})y\)

\(x^2 = \dfrac{25y}{2}\)

\(2x^2 = 25y\)

∴ The equation of the parabola is \(2x^2 = 25y\) (Ans.)

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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.