Q: If P(–3, 2) is one end of the focal chord PQ of the parabola y2 + 4x + 4y = 0, then the slope of the normal at Q is
(A) –1/2
(B) 2
(C) 1/2
(D) –2
Sol. The equation of the tangent at (–3, 2) to the parabola y2 + 4x + 4y = 0 is
2y + 2(x – 3) + 2(y + 2) = 0
or 2x + 4y – 2 = 0
⇒ x + 2y – 1 = 0
Since the tangent at one end of the focal chord is parallel to the normal at the other end, the slope of the normal at the other end of the focal chord is -1/2
Hence (A) is the correct answer.