Latus Rectum Calculator (Parabola)
The Latus Rectum Calculator finds the length of the latus rectum of a parabola y² = 4ax, the focal chord perpendicular to the axis. Enter the value of a.
Formula
For y² = 4ax, the latus rectum length is |4a|
- The latus rectum is the focal chord perpendicular to the axis of symmetry.
- Its endpoints are (a, ±2a) for the parabola y² = 4ax.
y² = 8x (a = 2)
Inputs
- a (in y² = 4ax): 2
Latus rectum = |4×2| = 8, with focus at (2, 0).
Frequently asked questions
What is the latus rectum?
The chord of a conic through a focus and perpendicular to the major axis. For y² = 4ax it has length 4a.