Find the Vertex, Focus, Directrix, and Focal Width of the Parabola x = 10y

To analyze the parabola given by the equation x = 10y, we can rewrite it in the standard form of a parabola.

This equation can be rearranged to:

y = (1/10)x

This indicates that it opens to the right, and it is in the form of x = 4py, where p is the distance from the vertex to the focus. From the equation x = 10y, we can identify that:

  • 4p = 10
  • p = 10/4 = 2.5

Step 1: Finding the Vertex

The vertex of the parabola is at the origin (0, 0).

Step 2: Finding the Focus

The focus is located at a distance of p units from the vertex along the axis of symmetry. For our parabola:

  • Focus: (p, 0) = (2.5, 0)

Step 3: Finding the Directrix

The directrix is a line that is p units in the opposite direction from the vertex along the axis of symmetry. Thus, we find:

  • Directrix: x = -p = -2.5

Step 4: Finding the Focal Width

The focal width is the distance across the parabola at the focus and is equal to |4p|. So:

  • Focal Width = |4p| = |10| = 10

Summary:

  • Vertex: (0, 0)
  • Focus: (2.5, 0)
  • Directrix: x = -2.5
  • Focal Width: 10

This detailed breakdown helps in understanding the components of the parabola clearly.

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