Question

a cross section of a parabolic satellite dish can be modeled by the equation y=1/48x^2. How far from the vertex of the cross section? Explain

Answer 1

place vertex at (0,0) basic equation: x^2=4py p=distance from vertex to focus) y=at ends of parabolic cross section y = x^2/4p Given y= 1/48x^2 So, 1/48x^2=X*2/4p 1/4p = 1/48 4p = 48 p = 48/4 = 12 ft