Mathematics

Mathematics

Problem

For the parabola y2=4axy^{2}=4ax, a point PP has ordinate 6a6a. a. (i) Find the abscissas of PP. b. (ii) Hence find the distance between the two possible positions of PP.
Intuitive explanation

The key here is using the parabola's equation to find where a point with a known yy-coordinate actually sits. Since PP lies on y2=4axy^2 = 4ax and you know its ordinate (the yy-value) is 6a6a, you can substitute directly into the equation to solve for the xx-coordinate. This gives you the complete location of point PP, which is usually the first step toward finding distances, tangent lines, or other geometric properties.

Intuitive explanation

The key here is using the parabola's equation to find where a point with a known yy-coordinate actually sits. Since PP lies on y2=4axy^2 = 4ax and you know its ordinate (the yy-value) is 6a6a, you can substitute directly into the equation to solve for the xx-coordinate. This gives you the complete location of point PP, which is usually the first step toward finding distances, tangent lines, or other geometric properties.

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