SECTION 8.1

Question 1

What are the equation, focus, directrix, and focal chord of a vertical parabola?

Answer 1

Equation: (x - h)² = 4p(y - k)
Focus: (h, k +/- p), operation depends on whether the parabola is positive or negative
Directrix: y = +/- p , operation depends on whether the parabola is positive or negative
Focal Chord: |4p|

Question 2

What is the equation, focus, directrix, and focal chord of a horizontal parabola?

Answer 2

Equation: (y - k)² = 4p(x - h)
Focus: (h +/- p, k), operation depends on whether the parabola is positive or negative
Directrix: x = +/- p , operation depends on whether the parabola is positive or negative
Focal Chord: |4p|

Question 3

How do you convert an equation to the standard form of a parabola?

Answer 3

Separate the x’s and y’s and complete the square.