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jmc

algebra senior

Problem

Let be the parabola in the plane determined by the equation Suppose a circle intersects at four distinct points. If three of these points are and find the sum of the distances from the focus of to all four of the intersection points.
Solution
Let the four intersection points be and Let the equation of the circle be Substituting we get Expanding this equation, we get a fourth degree polynomial whose roots are and Furthermore, the coefficient of is 0, so by Vieta's formulas,

We are given that three intersection points are and so the fourth root is

The distance from the focus to a point on the parabola is equal to the distance from the point to the directrix, which is Thus, the sum of the distances is
Final answer
1247