Parameters (1 Viewer)

steve001

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Hey,

Just another questiopn on parameters:
P(2at,at^2) is a variable point on the parabola x^2 = 4ay, whose focus is S. Q (x,y) divides the interval from P to S in the ratio t^2:1
(i) Find x and y in terms of a and t. (i got Q(2at/t^2+1,2at^2/t^2+1))
(ii) Verify that y/x = t
(iii) Prove that, as P moves on the parabola, Q moves on a circle, and state its centre and radius. (this is the bit i cant do)
 
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scardizzle

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part (ii) would be useful :p

Also just to confirm for part (i) did you get Q as ( 2at/(t^2 +1), 2at^2/(t^2+1)) ?
 

scardizzle

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hence Q is a circle with centre (0,0) and radius (2ay)^1/2

hope that's right...
 

untouchablecuz

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hence Q is a circle with centre (0,0) and radius (2ay)^1/2

hope that's right...
the radius isn't (2ay)^1/2 or else the locus woudn't be a cirle (variable radius)

after completing the square you get: x^2 + (y-a)^2 = a^2

the correct locus is a circle with centre (0,a) and radius a
 

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