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

3260 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

At t seconds, the temp. of the water is θ°C. The rate of increase of the temp. of the water at any time t is modelled by the D.E. dθ/dt=λ(120-θ), θ<=100 where λ is a pos. const. Given θ=20 at t=0, solve this D.E. to show that θ=120-100e^(-λt)


How do you differentiate the curve y = 4x^2 + 7x + 1? And how do you find the gradient of this curve?


What is calculus?


How can I remember trig identities?


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning