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An illustration showing how to construct a parabola by plotting. "Having given the axis, vertex, and focus of the parabola. Divide the transverse axis into any desired number of parts 1, 2, 3, etc., and draw ordinates through the divisions; take the distance A1, and set it off on the 1st ordinate from the focus f to a, so that A1 = fa. Repeat the same operation with the other ordinates - that is, set off the distance A5 from f to e, so that A5 = fe; and so the parabola is constructed."

Construction Of A Parabola

An illustration showing how to construct a parabola by plotting. "Having given the axis, vertex, and…

An illustration showing how to construct a parabola using a pencil and a string. "Having given the two axes, vertex, and focus of the parabola. Take a square cde, and fix to it a string at c; fix the other end of the string at the focus f. The length of the sting should be such that when the square is in the position of the axis Af, the string should reach to the vertex A. Move the square along BB, and the pencil P will describe the parabola."

Construction Of A Parabola

An illustration showing how to construct a parabola using a pencil and a string. "Having given the two…

An illustration showing how to construct a parabola. "Given the vertex A, axis x, and a point P. Draw AB at right angle to x, and BP parallel to x, divide AB and BP into an equal number of equal parts. From the vertex A draw lines to the divisions on BP, from the divisions on AB draw the ordinates parallel to x, the corresponding intersections are points in the parabola."

Construction Of A Parabola

An illustration showing how to construct a parabola. "Given the vertex A, axis x, and a point P. Draw…

An illustration showing how to construct a parabola. "Given the axis of ordinate B, and vertex A. Take A as a center and describe a semicircle from B which gives the focus of the parabola at f. Draw any ordinate y at right angle to the abscissa Ax, take a as radius and the focus f as a center, then intersect the ordinate y, by a circle-arc in P which will be a point in the parabola. In the same manner the whole Parabola is constructed."

Construction Of A Parabola

An illustration showing how to construct a parabola. "Given the axis of ordinate B, and vertex A. Take…