Topic explanation

Standard explanation

For y²=4ax, tangent at parameter t is ty=x+at².

Key points

• Tangent to a parabola
• rule
• worked example
• Tangent to a parabola: For y^2=4ax, tangent at parameter t is ty=x+at^2.
• CONCEPT AND RULE: For y^2=4ax, tangent at parameter t is ty=x+at^2.
• METHOD: For tangent to a parabola, identify the given information and required result. Select the matching d
• For y²=4ax, tangent at parameter t is ty=x+at².
• Worked pattern: For y²=4x at t=2, 2y=x+4.

Labelled diagram