Q. The locus of the vertices of the family of parabolas $y = \frac{a^{3}x^{2}}{3} + \frac{a^{2}x}{2} - 2a$ is

A) $xy = \frac{3}{4}$
B) $xy = \frac{35}{16}$
C) $xy = \frac{64}{105}$
D) $xy = \frac{105}{64}$
Explanation

(d)
Given, $y + 2a = \frac{a^{2}}{3}\left( x^{2} + \frac{3}{2a}x \right)$
$\Rightarrow \ y + 2a = \frac{a^{3}}{3}\left( x + \frac{3}{4a} \right)^{2} - \frac{9}{16^{2}} \times \frac{a^{3}}{3}$
$\Rightarrow \left( y + \frac{35a}{16} \right) = \frac{a^{3}}{3}\left( x + \frac{3}{4a} \right)^{2}$
Thus, the vertices of parabola is $\left( - \frac{3}{4a}, - \frac{35a}{16} \right)$
Let $h = - \frac{3}{4a}$ and $k = - \frac{35a}{16}$
$\therefore hk = \frac{105}{64}$
Hence, the locus of vertices of a parabola is $xy = \frac{105}{64}$

Dr. Abubacker
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker

Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist

Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.

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