Question

Matteo is adjusting a satellite because he finds it is not focusing the incoming radio waves perfectly. The shape of his satellite can be modeled by y^2 =6x where x and y are modeled in inches. He realizes that the static is a result of the feed antenna shifting slightly off the focus point. What is the focus point of the satellite?
(–1.5, 0)
(0, –1.5)
(0, 1.5)
(1.5, 0)

Answer 1

y^2 = 4px so 4p = 6 → p = 1.5. The parabola opens to the right, so the focus is at (p, 0) = (1.5, 0).