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4. Find the equation of the normal to curve x ^2 = 4 y  which passes through the point (1, 2).

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Given the equation of the curve
x^2 = 4 y
We know that the slope of the tangent at a point on the given curve is given by  \frac{dy}{dx}
4\frac{dy}{dx} = 2x \\\ \frac{dy}{dx} = \frac{x}{2}
We know that 
Slope \ of \ normal = \frac{-1}{Slope \ of \ tangent } = \frac{-1}{\frac{x}{2}} = \frac{-2}{x}
At point (a,b)
Slope = \frac{-2}{a}
Now, the equation of normal with point (a,b) and  Slope = \frac{-2}{a}

y-y_1=m(x-x_1)\\ y-b=\frac{-2}{a}(x-a)
It is given that it also passes through the point (1,2)
Therefore,
2-b=\frac{-2}{a}(1-a)\\ 2a -ba = 2a -2\\ ba = 2\\b =\frac{2}{a}                  -(i)
It also satisfies equation x^2 = 4 y\Rightarrow b = \frac{a^2}{4}                    -(ii)
By comparing equation (i) and (ii)
\frac{2}{a} = \frac{a^2}{4}\\ a^3 = 8\\ a = 2
b = \frac{2}{a} = \frac{2}{2} = 1
Slope = \frac{-2}{a} = \frac{-2}{2} = -1

Now, equation of normal with point (2,1) and  slope = -1
 

y-y_1=m(x-x_1)\\ y-1=-1(x-2)\\ y+x=3
Hence, equation of normal is x + y - 3 = 0

Posted by

Gautam harsolia

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