document.write( "Question 188514This question is from textbook Precalculus
\n" );
document.write( ": A satellite dish is shaped like a paraboloid of revolution. The signals that emanate from a satellite strike the surface of the dish and are reflected to a single point, where the receiver is located. If the dish is 10 feet across at its opening and 4 feet deep at its center, at what position should the receiver be placed? \n" );
document.write( "
Algebra.Com's Answer #141500 by nerdybill(7384)![]() ![]() You can put this solution on YOUR website! You are trying to find 'c' -- the distance between the vertex and the focus. \n" ); document.write( "Think of the equation for a vertical parabola: \n" ); document.write( "y = (1/4c)(x-h)^2 + k \n" ); document.write( "If we place our parabola at the center our equation becomes: \n" ); document.write( "y = (1/4c)x^2 \n" ); document.write( ". \n" ); document.write( "The problem gives you a point on the parabola: (10,4) \n" ); document.write( "Plug it in and solve for 'c': \n" ); document.write( "y = (1/4c)x^2 \n" ); document.write( "4 = (1/4c)10^2 \n" ); document.write( "4 = (1/4c)100 \n" ); document.write( "4 = (1/c)25 \n" ); document.write( "4c = 25 \n" ); document.write( "c = 25/4 \n" ); document.write( "c = 6.25 feet\r \n" ); document.write( " \n" ); document.write( " \n" ); document.write( " \n" ); document.write( " \n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( " \n" ); document.write( " |