Let tangent and normal to a parabola at a point P(x1,y1) be extended to meet the axis of the parabola at N and T respectively.
PT is termed the length of the tangent.
PN is termed the length of the normal.
Drop a perpendicular to the axis from the point P and call it PP'.
P'T = subtangent
P'N = subnormal
If the tangent makes an angle of ψ with the axis
length of the tangent = y1 cosec ψ
length of the normal = y1 sec ψ
length of the subtangent = y1 cot ψ
length of the subnormal = y1 tan ψ
tan ψ = 2a/y1 = m (slope of the tangent)
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