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Question

The normal at a point P to the parabola y2=4ax meets axis at G. Q is another point on the parabola such that QG is perpendicular to the axis of the parabola. Prove that QG2PG2= constant

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Solution

Let us take any arbitrary point P(at2,2at) on parabola y2=4ax.
So,
Equation of normal at P on parabola: tx+y=2at+at3
this normal intersects x-axis at point G when y=0(At x-axis, y coords.=0 ), so on substituting y=0 in equation of normal we get:
x=2a+at2

as, x-coordinates of point Qand G will be same as QG is perpendicular to axis(x-axis) of parabola.
Thus,
ycoordinate of Q can be determined using y2=4ax as Q is on parabola, we get:
y=2a2+t2

Now,
length QG can be determined using distance formula:(0)+(8a2+4a2t2)
length PG = (4a2)+(4a2t2)

so, QG2PG2=(8a2+4a2t2)(4a2+4a2t2)
=4a2
=constant
Hence,proved!

786274_693482_ans_8bb25b58b0af45d7a636de4d4e57bbcb.png

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