Let y2=12x be the parabola with its vertex at O. Let P be a point on the parabola and A be a point on the x-axis such that ∠OPA=90∘. Then the locus of the centroid of such triangles OPA is :
(A)y2−6x+4=0
(B)y2−9x+6=0
(C)y2−2x+8=0✓ Correct
(D)y2−4x+8=0
Answer: (C)
Solution
Let P(3t2,6t) be a point on the parabola y2=12x. Since ∠OPA=90∘, the slope of OP is 3t26t=t2 and the slope of AP is −2t (perpendicular). The line AP has equation y−6t=−2t(x−3t2). Setting y=0: −6t=−2t(x−3t2), so x=12+3t2. Thus A(12+3t2,0). The centroid G(h,k) satisfies 3h=0+3t2+12+3t2=6t2+12 and 3k=0+6t+0=6t. From the second equation, t=2k. Substituting into the first: h=2t2+4=2⋅4k2+4=2k2+4. Thus k2=2h−8, or y2=2x−8, which can be written as y2−2x+8=0.
JEE Main · 2026 · 21 Jan 2026 · Shift 2 · Single correct option