Question

what is the length of the focal width? x=(1/4)y^2

i know we use 2p but that all i know about this problem??

Answer 1

\[x= \frac{ 1 }{ 4 } y^2\]

Answer 2

I'm afraid your post was taken out of context. I suspect you're talking about parabolic reflectors, a physics topic.

What are the instructions for this problem? What have you been able to do so far, and where do you need help? Why do we "use 2p?"

Answer 3

sooo my question brings no instructions my textbook literally has just that Q and equation --- ignore the 2p i take that part back looking back at my notes im guessing the Q refers to focal chord length in parabola

Answer 4

if we are using the focal chord length then we would be using 4p

Answer 5

I hadn't seen that term, "focal width," before, so looked it up on the 'Net and found the following:

http://math.stackexchange.com/questions/574688/what-is-the-focal-width-of-a-parabola

I regard this discussion to be quite clear. Is it clear for you?

If so, what do you suppose our first goal should be, towards finding the length of the focal width?

Answer 6

mmmhh ittts clearr ..

Answer 7

I note that this is a horizontal parabola. Can you agree with that? If so, is the focal width a vertical distance or a horizontal one?

Answer 8

horizontal...