Question

Find the point on the curve y2 = 4x, which is nearest to the point (2, - 8).

Answer 1

do you know the distance formula?

Answer 2

no

Answer 3

\[D = \sqrt{(x_2 - x_1)^{2} + (y_2 - y_1)^2}\]

Answer 4

D is distance

Answer 5

and (x1, y1) is your point (2, -8)

Answer 6

make up a point (m, n) that is on your equation y^2 = 4x and plug that into the distance formula. find distance as a function m and n

D(m,n)

Answer 7

take the parametric co-ordinates, and we should know the fact that, shortest distance between two curves is along the commo normal.

Answer 8

Here's a picture...