The number of distinct normals that can be drawn from (-2, 1) to the parabola  y2-4x-2y-3=0 is

We have y2-2y+1=4(x+1)⇒(y-1)2=4(x+1) Equation of axis is y-1=0 Also (-2,1) lies on the axis and it is exterior to the parabola. ∵ 12−4(−2)−2(1)−3=1+8−5=4>0Hence only one normal is possible.