Question

How do you determine the width of the parabola

Answer 1

The width of parabola is also called as focal chord.

Equation of parabola will be  x²  =4py

where 4p indicates focal width of parabola

Example 1:

Find the focal width of the parabola x² = 16y.

Solution:

              x² = 16y

            Write the equation of the parabola.

                4p = 16

             Compare the above with standard equation x² = 4py.

    Focal width will be as | 4p | =16.

So, focal width of the parabola x² = 16y is 16.

Hope this will be helpful. Thanks and God Bless You :-)