What is Latus Rectum of Parabola?

Step 1: Definition

The latus rectum of a parabola is a line segment perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of the parabola, which passes through the focus and whose endpoints lie on the parabola.

Step 2: Key properties of the latus rectum

• It is a line segment.
• It lies parallel to the directrix.
• Its length is related to the distance between the vertex and the focus.

Standard equation of a parabola:

For a parabola in the form y² = 4ax, the length of the latus rectum is 4a.

Important note:

Although it passes through the focus, the latus rectum is not the focus itself, nor the vertex, nor the major axis (which is a term used for ellipses).

Correct Answer: line segment