Answer
The point of contact where the tangent \( y = mx + c \) touches the parabola \( y^2 = 4ax \) is \( \left( \frac{a}{m^2}, \frac{2a}{m} \right) \).
Solution
To find the **point of contact** where the tangent line \( y = mx + c \) touches the parabola \( y^2 = 4ax \), follow these steps:
### 1. **Condition for Tangency**
For the line to be tangent to the parabola, the system of equations must have exactly one solution. Substitute \( y = mx + c \) into the parabola equation:
\[
(mx + c)^2 = 4ax
\]
Expanding and rearranging:
\[
m^2x^2 + 2mcx + c^2 - 4ax = 0
\]
This is a quadratic in \( x \). For there to be exactly one solution (tangency condition), the discriminant must be zero:
\[
\Delta = (2mc - 4a)^2 - 4m^2c^2 = 0
\]
Simplifying the discriminant:
\[
4m^2c^2 - 16amc + 16a^2 - 4m^2c^2 = -16amc + 16a^2 = 0
\]
\[
-16amc + 16a^2 = 0 \implies mc = a
\]
Thus, the condition is:
\[
c = \frac{a}{m}
\]
### 2. **Finding the Point of Contact**
Now, substitute \( c = \frac{a}{m} \) back into the equation of the tangent:
\[
y = mx + \frac{a}{m}
\]
Set this equal to the parabola equation to find the coordinates \((x, y)\):
\[
(mx + \frac{a}{m})^2 = 4ax
\]
Expanding and solving for \( x \):
\[
m^2x^2 + 2a x + \frac{a^2}{m^2} = 4ax
\]
\[
m^2x^2 - 2ax + \frac{a^2}{m^2} = 0
\]
Using the tangency condition (single solution):
\[
x = \frac{a}{m^2}
\]
Now, find \( y \):
\[
y = m \left( \frac{a}{m^2} \right) + \frac{a}{m} = \frac{a}{m} + \frac{a}{m} = \frac{2a}{m}
\]
### **Final Answer**
The point of contact is given by the coordinates:
\[
\left( \frac{a}{m^2},\ \frac{2a}{m} \right)
\]
---
**Therefore, the point of contact where the tangent \( y = mx + c \) touches the parabola \( y^2 = 4ax \) is \(\left( \frac{a}{m^2}, \frac{2a}{m} \right)\).**
Reviewed and approved by the UpStudy tutoring team
Explain
Simplify this solution