Questions: If p represents the focus of the parabola, which of the following expressions is used to represent the focal width? a. p b. 4p c. 2p d. 4px

Solution Steps

The focal width of a parabola is the distance across the parabola through the focus, perpendicular to the axis of symmetry. For a parabola in the form \( y^2 = 4px \) or \( x^2 = 4py \), the focal width is given by \( 4p \).

The focal width of a parabola is the distance across the parabola through the focus, perpendicular to the axis of symmetry. For a parabola in the form \( y^2 = 4px \) or \( x^2 = 4py \), the focal width is given by \( 4p \).

We are given \( p = 1 \).

Using the formula for the focal width: \[ \text{Focal Width} = 4p \] Substituting \( p = 1 \): \[ \text{Focal Width} = 4 \times 1 = 4 \]

Final Answer