Even though the description of the path sounds confusing,
a parabola with a focus of (8,16) and the directrix at y=-8 is indeed
y = (1/48)(x-8)^2 + 4
In order to successfully perform a trick, a flying trapeze artist must swing along a parabolic path that is equidistant from the floor and the pivot point where the trapeze rope is attached. The rope is attached at the ceiling 8 feet above her starting point. Use the focus of (8,16) and the directrix at y=-8 to determine the equation of the parabola.
I first did y=1/2(x-h)^2+k
p=2y
y=1/48(x-8)^2+4
Is this correct? Thank you for checking my work
1 answer
1 answer