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2006 Cyprus MO/Lyceum/Problem 18

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Problem

K(k,0) is the minimum point of the parabola and the parabola intersects the y-axis at the point \Gamma (0,k). If the area if the rectangle OAB\Gamma is 8, then the equation of the parabola is

\mathrm{(A)}\ y=\frac{1}{2}(x+2)^2\qquad\mathrm{(B)}\ y=\frac{1}{2}(x-2)^2\qquad\mathrm{(C)}\ y=x^2+2\qquad\mathrm{(D)}\ y=x^...

Solution

Since the parabola is symmetric about the line x = k, B has coordinates (2k,k). The area of the rectangle is k \cdot 2k = 8 \Longrightarrow k = 2, so the vertex is at (2,0).

Thus, the equation of the parabola is y = a(x-2)^2. Plugging in point (0,2), we find a = \frac{1}{2}, and the answer is \mathrm{B}.

See also

2006 Cyprus MO, Lyceum (Problems)
Preceded by
Problem 17
Followed by
Problem 19
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Looking for a challenging geometry text? Preparing for MATHCOUNTS or the AMC exams? Check out Art of Problem Solving's Introduction to Geometry by Richard Rusczyk.
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