The path of a beam of light reflecting off a parabolic mirror is modeled by the parametric equations
x=2.5t2 and y=5t,−4≤t≤4 x = 2.5t^2 \text{ and } y = 5t, \quad -4 \le t \le 4 x=2.5t2 and y=5t,−4≤t≤4where x x\,x and y y\,y are measured in centimeters.
Determine the Cartesian equation of the reflective surface in the form y2=f(x)y^2 = f(x)y2=f(x).
A specific photon strikes the mirror at point AAA where the parameter t=at = at=a (with a>0,a≠1a > 0, a \neq 1a>0,a=1). The tangent to the curve at point AAA makes an angle θ\thetaθ with a line through AAA parallel to the xxx-axis. The point BBB is located at (2.5,0)(2.5, 0)(2.5,0). The line segment ABABAB makes an angle ϕ\phiϕ with the positive xxx-axis.
By calculating the gradient of the curve, show that tanθ=1a\tan \theta = \frac{1}{a}tanθ=a1.
Find an expression for tanϕ\tan \phitanϕ in terms of aaa, simplifying your answer.
Hence, show that tan2θ=tanϕ\tan 2\theta = \tan \phitan2θ=tanϕ.
Practise AQA A Level Maths 1.10 G: Differentiation with exam-style questions for A Level Maths. 321 questions covering 1.10.1 The derivative and second derivative, 1.10.2 Differentiating standard functions, 1.10.3 Applications of differentiation, 1.10.4 Product, quotient and chain rules (A-level only), 1.10.5 Implicit and parametric differentiation (A-level only), and 1.10.6 Constructing differential equations (A-level only), matched to the AQA A Level Maths (7357) specification and written in Paper 1, Paper 2 and Paper 3 style. Every question includes a full worked solution and mark scheme, so you can see where marks are awarded rather than just whether you got the answer right.
