Purchase Solution

Find point of intersection of two lines tangent to a parabola

Not what you're looking for?

Ask Custom Question

Let P be the point (3, 9/4). This point lies on the parabola 4y = x^2. A line is drawn through P and the focus of the parabola and intersects another point Q on the parabola. Find the equations of the tangent lines to the parabola at the points P and Q, as well as their point of intersection. Show that those two tangent lines intersect on the directrix of the parabola and are at right angles to each other.

Purchase this Solution

Solution Summary

A complete, detailed solution of this problem, including general information about parabolas and equations of tangent lines, is provided.

Solution provided by:
Education
  • AB, Hood College
  • PhD, The Catholic University of America
  • PhD, The University of Maryland at College Park
Recent Feedback
  • "Thanks for your assistance. "
  • "Thank you. I understand now."
  • "Super - Thank You"
  • "Very clear. I appreciate your help. Thank you."
  • "Great. thank you so much!"
Purchase this Solution


Free BrainMass Quizzes
Solving quadratic inequalities

This quiz test you on how well you are familiar with solving quadratic inequalities.

Graphs and Functions

This quiz helps you easily identify a function and test your understanding of ranges, domains , function inverses and transformations.

Geometry - Real Life Application Problems

Understanding of how geometry applies to in real-world contexts

Multiplying Complex Numbers

This is a short quiz to check your understanding of multiplication of complex numbers in rectangular form.

Exponential Expressions

In this quiz, you will have a chance to practice basic terminology of exponential expressions and how to evaluate them.