Porisma

A hint to get started

Remove the original intersection before using a discriminant

A curve is given by x=at2x=at^2, y=2aty=2at.

Show that the normal at (at2,2at)(at^2,2at) is y+tx=at3+2aty+tx=at^3+2at.

If that normal meets the curve again at (aq2,2aq)(aq^2,2aq), show that t2+qt+2=0t^2+qt+2=0. Deduce that q2q^2 cannot be less than 88.

[2007/AJC/I/12(b)]

CJC · Review problems · Question 10

The factor corresponding to the original point must be removed before applying the quadratic condition.

Read the worked solution