Parabola
Chapter Name : Conic Section |
Sub Topic Code : 104_11_11_04_02 |
Topic Name : Parabola |
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Sub Topic Name : Latus Rectum |
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Introduction
Introduction to chords in parabola and Latus Rectum.
Pre-Requisites:
Knowledge about parabola and its focus.
Activity:
Measure the length of Latus Rectum and compare it with the formula.
Real Life Question:
What is a Latus Rectum?
Key Words / FlashCards
| Key Words | Definitions (pref. in our own words) |
|---|---|
| Parabolic chord | Any line which cuts the parabola at two points. |
| Latus rectum | A special chord which is perpendicular to the axis and passes through focus of the parabola. |
Learning aids / Gadgets
| Gadgets | How it can be used |
|---|---|
| Take a parabola | Draw a line perpendicular to axis of parabola and passes through its focus, that line is termed as Latus Rectum. |
Real life uses :
Used to determine the reflective property of a parabolic mirror.
Practical examples around us
| Examples | Explainations |
|---|---|
| Finding the focus of a mirror | As Latus rectum is of fixed size, therefore it can be used in finding the focus of the parabola. |
What you learn in Theory:
Definition and Length of Latus Rectum.
What you learn in Practice:
Relation of Latus Rectum with the focus of Parabola.