Math

Latus Rectum Calculator

Find the latus rectum length of the parabola y = ax².

Calculated Output

Latus rectum length 4

Focal distance 1

Formula: length = 1/|a| (for y = ax²)

Step-by-Step Breakdown

1. Values used:

2. a (coefficient) = 0.25

4. Latus rectum length = 4

5. Focal distance = 1

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The math behind it

For y = ax², the latus rectum length is 1/|a| and the focal distance from the vertex is 1/(4|a|).

y = 0.25x² → latus rectum = 4, focal distance = 1.

Why does it matter?

Its length describes how 'wide' the conic is at the focus, useful for graphing and optics.