Given a fixed parabola and a family of parallel lines with given fixed gradient, find the one line that intersects the parabola in one single point

Let the parabola be y=x2 and let the family of lines be y=2x+c, in order to study the intersection points we need to consider the second order linear system given by having the two equations above. Hence, we get x2 -2x-c=0 and this equation has one single solution if and only if -c=1.

Therefore, the solution line is y=2x-1

FT
Answered by Francesca T. Maths tutor

3395 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Find dy/dx when x+2y+3y^2= 2x^2+1


f(x)=ln(3x+1), x>0 and g(x)=d/dx(f(x)), x>0, find expressions for f^-1 and g


Find the solutions to z^2 = i


A curve has equation y = 20x -x^(2) - 2x^(3). The curve has a stationary point at the point M where x = −2. Find the x coordinates of the other stationary point.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning