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Question: Answered & Verified by Expert
The sum of the reciprocals of focal distances of a focal chord $P Q$ of $y^{2}=4 a x$ is
MathematicsParabolaJEE Main
Options:
  • A $\frac{1}{a}$
  • B $a$
  • C $2 a$
  • D $\frac{1}{2 a}$
Solution:
2491 Upvotes Verified Answer
The correct answer is: $\frac{1}{a}$
Equation of parabola $y^{2}=4 a x$
Total length of focal chord $=4 a$
and half length of focal chord $=2 a$
Now, sum of the reciprocals of focal distances
$$
=\frac{1}{2 a}+\frac{1}{2 a}=\frac{2}{2 a}=\frac{1}{a}
$$

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