Geometry

Dynamical Geometry Problem Sheet 2: Parabola

Sketches: Martti E. Pesonen
Problems: ?
Let E be the two dimensional Euclidean plane. Let us assume points, lines and segments to be familiar, also the notion of distance assumed to be known.

NOTE! If you are not yet familiar with
1) Move and Animate facilities,
2) resetting the sketch and clearing traces,
you are advised to consult

Example Sketch
Getting familiar with Sketches: experimenting with circles



1. First Sketch: Parabola by definition, fixed focus and line

REVISE !!! Let F be a point, L a line and AB a segment in the plane. A parabola with focus point F and leading line L is the set of point whose distance from the focus F, and the distance from the line L are equal to the length of AB.

The following dynamical figure illustrates how the parabola is built from its definition. Here the focus point and the leading line are fixed, but the segment can be changed by mouse.


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2. Second Sketch: Parabola by definition, free focus and line

The following illustrates how the parabola is built from its definition. Here you can drag the focus, the line (using the two magenta points) and the segment AB. This page requires a Java capable browser.