Question:medium

The equation of the normal to the parabola \[ y^2=12x \] at the point \((3\lambda^2,6\lambda)\) is

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For the parabola \(y^2=4ax\), remember: \[ \text{Tangent: } ty=x+at^2, \] \[ \text{Normal: } y=-tx+2at+at^3. \] These formulas save considerable time in examinations.
Updated On: Jun 10, 2026
  • \[ y=-\lambda x+6\lambda+3\lambda^3 \]
  • \[ y=-\lambda x+6\lambda+3\lambda^2 \]
  • \[ y=-2\lambda x+6\lambda+3\lambda^3 \]
  • \[ y=-\lambda x+3\lambda+6\lambda^3 \]
Show Solution

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Read the parabola.
The parabola is $y^2=12x$. We want the equation of the normal (the line at right angles to the tangent) at a given point.

Step 2: Find $a$.
Compare $y^2=12x$ with the standard form $y^2=4ax$. So $4a=12$, which gives $a=3$.

Step 3: Use the parametric point.
A general point on $y^2=4ax$ is $(at^2,\,2at)$. With $a=3$ this is $(3t^2,\,6t)$. The given point is $(3\lambda^2,\,6\lambda)$, so by matching we get $t=\lambda$.

Step 4: Recall the normal formula.
The standard equation of the normal at parameter $t$ on $y^2=4ax$ is \[ y=-tx+2at+at^3. \] This comes from the fact that the slope of the tangent at $(at^2,2at)$ is $\tfrac{1}{t}$, so the normal slope is $-t$.

Step 5: Substitute the values.
Put $a=3$ and $t=\lambda$: \[ y=-\lambda x+2(3)\lambda+3\lambda^3. \] \[ y=-\lambda x+6\lambda+3\lambda^3. \]

Step 6: Pick the option.
This matches option 1 exactly.
\[ \boxed{\,y=-\lambda x+6\lambda+3\lambda^3\,} \]
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