Difference between revisions of "Parabola"
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[[Image:Parabola.png|right|thumb|pxl=200|various parabolas]] | [[Image:Parabola.png|right|thumb|pxl=200|various parabolas]] | ||
| − | A '''parabola''' is a [[curve]] on a [[plane]], consisting of all the points that are equidistant from a point called the ''[[focus]]'' and a line, called the '' | + | A '''parabola''' is a [[curve]] on a [[plane]], consisting of all the points that are equidistant from a point called the ''[[focus]]'' and a line, called the ''directrix''. |
It is a [[conic section]], the intersection of a [[plane]] and a [[cone]] where the plane is parallel one side of the cone. | It is a [[conic section]], the intersection of a [[plane]] and a [[cone]] where the plane is parallel one side of the cone. | ||
Latest revision as of 04:46, May 17, 2024
A parabola is a curve on a plane, consisting of all the points that are equidistant from a point called the focus and a line, called the directrix.
It is a conic section, the intersection of a plane and a cone where the plane is parallel one side of the cone.
The general algebraic formula for a parabola is:
A parabola is the path taken by an object in motion subject to a uniform acceleration, such as gravity, ignoring friction.
It is also the path taken by an object in orbit around a star or planet, when it travels precisely at escape velocity; compare ellipse and hyperbola.