A parabola is the locus of a point which moves in a plane, such that its distance from a fixed point is equal to its perpendicular distance from a fixed straight line.
Standard equation of parabola is y2=4ax is shown in figure. For this parabola :
(i) Vertex is (0,0).
(ii) focus is (a,0)
(iii) Axis is y = 0
(iv) Directrix is x + a = 0
a) Focal distance :
The distance of a point on the parabola from the focus is called the focal distance of the point.
b) Focal chord :
A chord of the parabola, which passes through the focus is called a focal chord.
c) Double ordinate :
A chord of the parabola perpendicular to the axis of the symmetry is called double ordinate.
d) Latus rectum :
A double ordinate passing through the focus or a focal chord perpendicular to the axis of parabola is called latus rectum. For y2=4ax.
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