SOLUTION: Stein Glass, Inc., makes parabolic headlights for a variety of automobiles. If one of its headlights has a parabolic surface generated by the parabola x^2 = 12y, where should its
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-> SOLUTION: Stein Glass, Inc., makes parabolic headlights for a variety of automobiles. If one of its headlights has a parabolic surface generated by the parabola x^2 = 12y, where should its
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Question 1206396: Stein Glass, Inc., makes parabolic headlights for a variety of automobiles. If one of its headlights has a parabolic surface generated by the parabola x^2 = 12y, where should its light bulb be placed? (Hint: Solve the equation for y before you start finding the focus.)
A. 3 units
B. 12 units
C. 4 units
D. 48 units
E. 36 units
F. 2 units Found 2 solutions by ikleyn, MathLover1:Answer by ikleyn(52803) (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website! .
Stein Glass, Inc., makes parabolic headlights for a variety of automobiles.
If one of its headlights has a parabolic surface generated by the parabola x^2 = 12y,
where should its light bulb be placed? (Hint: Solve the equation for y before you start finding the focus.)
A. 3 units
B. 12 units
C. 4 units
D. 48 units
E. 36 units
F. 2 units
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When a parabola is presented by an equation x^2 = ay in this vertex form,
the focus is located at the distance f = from the vertex.
In this problem, the focus is located at the distance = 3 units from the vertex.
ANSWER. Light buble should be placed at 3 units from the vertex.
Option (A).