Question

HELP PLEASE

A mirror with a parabolic cross section is used to collect sunlight on a pipe located at the focus of the mirror. The pipe is located 2 inches from the vertex of the mirror. Write an equation of the parabola that models the cross section of the mirror. Assume that the parabola opens upward.

Answer 1

height of the parabola in inches:
Take the formula to be

y = ax^2

The focus of the parabola is 2 inches up, which means
a/4 = 2 ==> a = 8... the equation is:

y = 8x^2

Answer 2

thank you , what if it was 6 inches?

Answer 3

I would do the same thing right?

Answer 4

Replace the 2 with a 6. Which means

a/4 = 2 ==> a = 8. |||||| a/4 = 6 ==> a = 24.

y = 24x^2

Answer 5

why would it always be four?

Answer 6

Yeah, I believe so. I think it's just the formula. I'll check very quickly for you tho.

Answer 7

Noo noo , you don't have to i believe you lol I was just wondering , but thank you So much (:

Answer 8

Whoops, y = ax^2 is the formula, I guess whatever the 'x' is, but at least you have the answer. Off to other post, later, welcome.

Answer 9

lol

Answer 10

@~

Answer 11

@nightwielder

Answer 12

@TheSmartOne

Answer 13

@ambi

Answer 14

@GreenCat

Answer 15

@Leader

Answer 16

@lol