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The directrix and focus are the same distance from a given point on a parabola.

Question

The directrix and focus are the same distance from a given point on a parabola.

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Solution

Yes, that's correct. In the definition of a parabola, any point on the parabola is equidistant from a fixed point (the focus) and a fixed line (the directrix). This is the property that uniquely defines a parabola.

Here are the steps to visualize this:

  1. Draw a vertical line (this will be your directrix).
  2. Choose a point not on the line (this will be your focus).
  3. Now, choose any point that is equidistant from the focus and the directrix. This point lies on the parabola.
  4. Repeat step 3 for as many points as you like. The collection of these points forms the shape of the parabola.

This property is used in many applications, such as satellite dishes and car headlights, where the goal is to direct all incoming light or signals to a single point (the focus).

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