Deanna is adjusting a satellite because she finds it is not focusing the incoming radio waves perfectly. The shape of her satellite can be modeled by x^2=12y where x and y are modeled in inches. She realizes that the static is a result of the feed antenna shifting slightly off the focus point. What is the focus point of the satellite?
Answer:
The shape of satellite which is in the shape of parabola, opening upwards is, \(x^2=12 y\), having vertex (0,0).
Comparing with general equation of parabola
\(x^2=4 a y\) , having vertex (0,0) and focus (0,a).
Comparing the two above equation of parabola
4 a y = 12 y
4 a = 12
a=3
So, focus of the satellite which is in the shape of parabola=(0,3)