Math Topic of the Day: (STEM Related Topic)

[Pre-Calculus] - Parabola

Parabola Definition:

-> The locus of a point that moves it is equidistant from a fixed point called focus and a fixed line called
directrix.

General Equation:

Ax^2+ Dx + Ey + F = 0 (Axis Parallel to the y –axis)

Ay^2+ Dx + Ey + F = 0 (Axis Parallel to the x –axis)

Standard Equation:

Parabola with vertex @ (h, k)

(y - k)^2 = 4a(x - h) -> Opens to the right

(y - k)^2 = -4a(x - h) -> Opens to the lef

(x - h)^2 = 4a(y - k) -> Opens upward

(x - h)^2 = -4a(y - k) -> Opens downward

KEY FORMULAS:

4a = Length of Latus Rectum (LR)

a = focal distance (always positive)

(h + a, k) = coordinates of the focus if axis is parallel to the x - axis

(h, k + a) = coordinates of the focus if axis is parallel to the y - axis

(h + a, k +/- 2a) = coordinates of the endpoints of LR if axis is parallel to the x – axis

(h +/- 2a, k + a) = coordinates of the endpoints of LR if axis is parallel to the y - axis

e = 1 (always constant for parabola) -> Eccentricity

Examples and Detailed Solutions:

1. Find the general equation of the parabola with focus at (1, 0) and vertex at (2, 0).

Solution:

By plotting the points, we can directly say that the parabola is opening to the lef or with axis parallel to
the x-axis.

Thus, a = 1

(y - k)^2 = -4a(x - h)

(y - 0)^2 = -4(1)(x - 2)

y^2 = -4x + 8

y^2 + 4x - 8 = 0 -> Answer

2, Find the general equation of the parabola with vertex at (0, 3) and directrix at x = -1.

Solution:

By graphing and plotting the points, this parabola has an axis of symmetry parallel to the y-axis.
Distance from directrix and vertex is equal to a. Thus, a = 1 and LR = 4. Also, by inspection, the graph
opens to the right.

(y - k)^2 = 4a(x - h)

(y - 3)^2 = 4(1)(x - 0)

y^2 - 6y + 9 = 4x

y^2 - 4x - 6y + 9 = 0 -> Answer

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-Isaiah James Maling, 2019-

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