p is focal distance, the distance from point to vertex, not the point itself.

Proof that the graph of every quadratic equation/ function is a parabola:

2

y=a x +bx +c
Complete square to put into vertex form, then rearrange.
Make leading coefficient 1 by dividing all terms on b/s by leading coefficient.

y
b
c
=x 2 + x +
a
a
a
2

( ) ]+ ca

y
b
b
b
+
= x 2+ x+
a 2a
a
2a

( )

Condense perfect square.

y
b 2
b 2 c
+
= x+
+
a 2a
2a
a

( ) (
2

b
2a

( )

Subtract

from both sides.

y
b 2 c b2
= x+
+ 2
a
2a
a 4a

Multiply both sides by leading coefficient.

2

( ( )) [

y=a x

( [

b
2a

+ c

b
4a

Gives connection between

p=
2

]) ( ( ))

1
b2
b2
y c
= x
a
4a
4a

Ex:

1
4a

y + yx +1=0 , find vertex, focus, Directrix,

1
=4 p
a

1.

y + y+ 1=x

2.

b 1 1
=
=
2 a 21 2 ,
1

add x to both sides. Vertex =

12 3
=
4 4

3.

( 34 , 12 )
1
3
3
1
x=( y( )) + ( x )=( y + )
2
4
4
2

4.

p=1/ 4

Vertex:

b
b
,
4 a 2a