alleryStart learning →Which segment of a parabola passes through the focus and runs parallel to the directrix?
AThe axis of symmetry
BThe latus rectum
CThe transverse axis
DThe tangent line
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: B. The latus rectum
1. The segment runs through the focus with both ends on the curve.
2. Because it is parallel to the directrix, it is named the latus rectum.
3. The axis of symmetry also passes through the focus but is perpendicular to the directrix.
_Source: OpenStax College Algebra (CC BY 4.0), Ch 8 "Analytic Geometry", section 8.3 The Parabola_
Keep practising The Parabola
Browse all The Parabola questions for NY Regents Geometry, or explore more Mathematics topics.
Related questions
Writing x squared minus 6x minus 8y minus 7 equals 0 in standard form gives which vertex aFor the parabola (y - 2) squared equals 12(x + 5), where are the endpoints of the latus reWhere does the vertex of a parabola sit in relation to its focus and its directrix?A parabola with vertex at the origin satisfies y squared equals 36x. What is the equation A parabola holds every point equidistant from a fixed point and which other object?