Proof of a focus point on parabola and tangent line equal angles

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on proving that a vertical line and a line connecting a point on the parabola \(x^2 = 4ay\) to its focus form equal angles with the tangent line at that point. The focus of the parabola is located at the point \((0, a)\). The solution involves calculating the gradients of the tangent line at an arbitrary point \(P(2ap, ap^2)\) and the line connecting the focus to point \(P\), using the angle formula \(tan(\theta) = \left |\frac{m_1 - m_2}{1 + m_1m_2} \right |\). The discussion concludes that the angle between the tangent line and the vertical line is equivalent to the angle between the tangent line and the line to the focus.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of parabolas, specifically the equation \(x^2 = 4ay\)
  • Knowledge of calculus, particularly derivatives for finding slopes
  • Familiarity with trigonometric identities and angle calculations
  • Basic geometry concepts related to angles and lines
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of parabolas and their foci in detail
  • Learn about derivatives and their applications in finding slopes of curves
  • Explore the use of the tangent function in angle calculations
  • Investigate geometric proofs involving angles formed by lines and curves
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus and geometry, particularly those focusing on conic sections and their properties, as well as educators looking for examples of geometric proofs involving parabolas.

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Homework Statement


Prove that a vertical line and a line going from a point on a parabola to the focus of the parabola form equal angles with the tangent line of the point on the parabola.

Homework Equations


Focus = 1/4a (maybe relevant)



The Attempt at a Solution


I know how to prove that the triangle from the vertical line, midpoint of Focus point to an arbitrary line and the point on the parabola is equal to a triangle that goes from focus point to point on parabola to midpoint.

However, I have no clue how to show that these two angles are the same. I can find the slope of each line, obviously, but where to go from here?
 
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Don't worry about any triangles, simply do as the question asks.
Take any arbitrary point P(2ap,ap^2) on the parabola x^2=4ay where (0,a) is the focus. Now, find the gradient of the tangent to the parabola which touches at P, also take the gradient of the line connecting the focus and the point P. Now find the angle between these 2 lines with the equation:

tan\theta=\left |\frac{m_1-m_2}{1+m_1m_2} \right |

Now take the gradient of a vertical line which is 1/0 (don't worry that it is undefined, with the tan function that just means \theta=\pi/2) and now show the angle between that tangent line and the vertical line is the same.
 

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