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parametrics help (1 Viewer)

jonk54

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P is a variable point on the parabola [x^2 = 4y]. The Normal at P meets the parabola again at Q. The tangents at P and Q meet at T. S is the focus and QS=2PS.

(a) Prove angle PSQ = 90 degrees
(b) Prove that PQ = PT


N.B. Please write ur answers step-by-step i.e. line by line!

THANKS Guy(s)
 

Giant Lobster

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ext 1 stuff belongs in ext 1 forum

hmmm no wonder no1's attempted this quesiton b4 me
sorry, im lazy. theres heaps of working out so ill just tell u wot i did

x = 2t y = t^2

at a glance theres enough information to find t

get the equation of normal at P

solve simultaneously with x^2 = 4y to find Q (Don't solve quadratic, u have one root as x = 2t, so use the sum or product of roots to find the x co-ordinate of Q)

u get Q(-(4 + 2t^2)/t , ((t^2 + 2)^2)/t^2)

Then use the definition of the parabola (focal length into distance to directrix) to get distances QS and PS

u shud have PS = t^2 +1
QS = ((t^2 + 2)^2)/t^2 + 1 (just the y coordinate + 1)

Use ur QS = 2PS and simplify

u shud get the quartic t^4 - 3t^2 - 4 = 0
Factorise and cancel the factor (t^2 + 1) out (t is real)

u get t = 2 or -2

Sub t = 2 into the points (doesnt matter if t = -2 cos parabola is symmetrical about axis)

U get P(4,4) Q(6,-9) and S(0,1)

Gradient QS * Gradient PS = -1. QED for part a)

Now for part b:

Since u know where P and Q are from part a) its easy sailing from here
just find the tangent equations, solve simultaneously to get T, then distance formula and they are equal

I think there may be an easier way to do it, hopefully the next person isnt as shabby as I am :p
 

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