Question

A headlight is being constructed in the shape of a paraboloid with depth 4 inches and diameter 5 inches. Determine the distance that the bulb should be from the vertex in order to have the beam of light shine straight.

Answer 1

d = 0.39 inch

Explanation:

Given data:

Diameter (x) = 5inch

Depth (y) = 4 inch

Distance (d) = ?

Using the parabola formula to find the distance d, we have

x² = 4dy

where x = 5/2 = 2.5 and y = 4

Substituting, we have

2.5² = 4 * d* 4

6.25 = 16d

d = 6.25/16

d = 0.39 inch