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THE PARABOLA

    

      A jet of water shooting from a hose pipe will follow a parabolic path.  What is the so special about parabola.

    Y= x^2
Draw a graph for the above equation.  It will result in a parabola.  This parabola is also called unit parabola.  Any equation involving square will yield a parabola.
Example:  Y = 2x^2 +3x+3 (also called quadratic equation)

    X= 2 and -2, both  satisfies the equation 4 = X^2.  Parabolic equations always have two solutions.

     Any motion taking place freely under gravity follows parabolic path. Examples:   An object dropped from a moving train,   A bomb dropped from flying plane,  A ball kicked upwards.

      If a beam of light rays fall on the parabolic shaped mirror, they will be reflected and brought to focus on a point.  This fact is made use of in Dish Antenna, Telescope mirrors, etc.

      Inverted parabola shape is used in the construction of buildings and bridges.  Because the shape is able to bear more weight.

      A plane follows a parabolic path to create zero gravity.  A fast climb up and a free fall.

     All hanging, suspension cables are in the parabolic shape. 
    The parabola is a natural curve. 

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