Question 314408
A parabolic shape is like the dish (receiver) on top of a cell phone tower.  Also, your cell phone transmits by way of parabolic reflectors.  Secondly, the reflector behind the light bulb of a flashlight that causes the flashlight to put out a beam instead of lighting the room with a light like a candle.  


A parabolic shape is a curve such that parallel lines that come into the shape will all be reflected into a single point called the focal point.  


Dr. Robert J. Rapalje, Retired
Seminole State College of Florida
Altamonte Springs Campus