Question

Engineering The equation for the cross section of a spotlight is y+5= 1/2x^2.

Answer 1

Answer:

$p=1/2\ or\ 0.5\ inches$

Step-by-step explanation:

From the question we are told that

Equation of cross section is $y+5= \frac{1}{2x^2}$

Generally the equation can be rewritten mathematically as

  $y+5= \frac{1}{2}x^2$

  $x^2=(y+5)2$

  $(x-0)^2=(y-(-5))2$

Generally the equation of a parabola with vertical axis is mathematically given by

$(x - h)2 = 4p(y - k)$

Therefore  comparing equations

$(x-0)^2=(y-(-5))2$

$4p=2$

$p=2/4$

The distance from the bulb to the vertex of the cross section is given by

$p=1/2\ or\ 0.5\ inches$