Writing an Equation for a Parabola (10.1.4)

Question 1

• A parabola consists of the set of points that are equidistant from a point called the focus and a line called the directrix.

Answer 1

• A parabola consists of the set of points that are equidistant from a point called the focus and a line called the directrix.

Question 2

• The vertex of a parabola is the point where the curve of the parabola changes direction. It is either the highest or lowest point of the parabola (or the leftmost or rightmost point, depending on the direction that the parabola opens).

Answer 2

• The vertex of a parabola is the point where the curve of the parabola changes direction. It is either the highest or lowest point of the parabola (or the leftmost or rightmost point, depending on the direction that the parabola opens).

Question 3

• A parabola with vertex at (h, k) and focus at a distance of ±p from the vertex is described by the equation (x – h)^2 = 4p (y – k) or (y – k)^2 = 4p (x – h), depending on the direction that the parabola opens.

Answer 3

• A parabola with vertex at (h, k) and focus at a distance of ±p from the vertex is described by the equation (x – h)^2 = 4p (y – k) or (y – k)^2 = 4p (x – h), depending on the direction that the parabola opens.