Parametrics (1 Viewer)

[Amundies]

Our school was meant to do parametrics last year, but we didnt get enough time so we're doing it now. I've done most of the questions in the textbook we have, and I was just wondering what the questions on the parabola will generally be? Will it ask you to find the equation of the tangent at P(2ap, ap^2) and just stuff like that, or will it be more complicated than that? I'm at a school that's around the 200's, if that'll be of any help. Thanks!

 

[kenkap]

they'll just typically ask you equations of tangents, normals, chords....and then the locus of a midpoint of intersection tangents or normals which just involves playing with their co-ordinates and/or also make use of previously proven condition eg pq=1,2,3....that should be it!

 

[Carrotsticks]

Usually, it is a lot more complicated than just finding the equations of tangents and normals.

Like kenkap said, they are usually locus questions requiring the elimination of the parameter. Harder ones (such as 2011 HSC) will ask you to find the restriction on the locus.

 

[SpiralFlex]

Also they will get you to prove some neat results.