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If one end of a focal chord of the parabola, y2=16x is at 1,4, then the length of this focal chord is
MathematicsParabolaJEE MainJEE Main 2019 (09 Apr Shift 1)
Options:
  • A 24
  • B 25
  • C 22
  • D 20
Solution:
2048 Upvotes Verified Answer
The correct answer is: 25

The given parabola y2=16x is of the form y2=4ax, hence a=4 and the focus of the parabola is a, 0=4, 0.

The equation of a line joining the points x1, y1 and x2, y2 is y-y1=y2-y1x2-x1x-x1.

Therefore, equation of chord joining P1, 4 to focus S4, 0 is

y-0=-43x-4

3y=-4x+16

4x +3y-16=0

To find the points where this line will cut the parabola put x=y216 from the parabola into the line, to get

4y216+ 3y-16=0

y2+ 12y-64=0

y+16y-4=0

y=-16 or y=4

And x=y216

x=16 or x=1

Thus, the points are 1, 4 and 16,-16, but 1, 4 is the given point P.

Q=16,-16

The distance between the points x1, y1 & x2, y2 is x1-x22+y1-y22

So, the length of focal chord PQ is

PQ=16-12+-16-42

=225+400=625=25 units.

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