Half Parabola: Is There a Name?

Thread starter JimmyJames
Start date Jul 21, 2007
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Parabola

In summary, a half parabola is a geometric shape that resembles half of a parabola and is formed by the intersection of a cone and a plane. Its equation can be written as y = ax^2 + bx + c or y = a(x - h)^2 + k, and it may also be referred to as a semi-parabola. The properties of a half parabola include symmetry, a vertex at the highest or lowest point, and intercepts at the x and y axes. In science, half parabolas are used to model motion, describe curved mirrors or lenses, and can be found in natural phenomena.

Jul 21, 2007

JimmyJames

Is there a name for the shape I can only think to call "half of a parabola"?

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Jul 21, 2007

arildno

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A half-parabola, perhaps?

Jul 21, 2007

radou

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arildno said:

A half-parabola, perhaps?

Halfabola sounds better.

1. What is a half parabola?

A half parabola is a geometric shape that resembles half of a parabola, which is a curved line formed by the intersection of a cone and a plane. It is also known as a semi-parabola.

2. What is the equation for a half parabola?

The general equation for a half parabola is y = ax^2 + bx + c, where a, b, and c are constants. This equation can also be written in standard form as y = a(x - h)^2 + k, where (h,k) is the vertex of the parabola.

3. Is there a specific name for a half parabola?

There is no specific name for a half parabola, as it is simply a portion of a parabola. However, it may be referred to as a semi-parabola or half of a parabola.

4. What are the properties of a half parabola?

Some properties of a half parabola include:

It is a symmetrical shape with one axis of symmetry.
The vertex is located at the highest or lowest point on the curve.
The x-intercept(s) occurs at the point(s) where the parabola intersects the x-axis.
The y-intercept is located at the point where the curve intersects the y-axis.

5. How is a half parabola used in science?

A half parabola is commonly used in physics and engineering to model and analyze the motion of objects. It is also used in optics to describe the shape of a curved mirror or lens. Additionally, half parabolas can be found in nature, such as the shape of a water fountain or the trajectory of a projectile.