Equations of Parabolas

9-8
Equations of Parabolas
Write an equation for each parabola. 3. focus (–2, 0), directrix x = 2
1. focus (0, 6), directrix y = –6
SOLUTION: SOLUTION:
Since the directrix is horizontal, the axis of symmetry Since the directrix is vertical, the axis of symmetry is
is vertical. horizontal.
The equation is of the form . The equation is of the form .

h = 0, k = 0, and p = 6. h = 0, k = 0, and p = –2.

The equation is The equation is

ANSWER: ANSWER:
4. focus (3, 0), directrix x = –3
2. focus (0, –8), directrix y = 8

SOLUTION:
SOLUTION:
Since the directrix is horizontal, the axis of symmetry
Since the directrix is vertical, the axis of symmetry is
is vertical.
horizontal.
The equation is of the form .
h = 0, k = 0, and p = –8.
h = 0, k = 0, and p = 3.
The equation is
The equation is

ANSWER:
ANSWER:
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9-8 Equations of Parabolas
5. vertex , focus 7. MODELING The parabolic reflector plate of a

flashlight has its bulb located at the focus of the
parabola. The distance between the vertex and the
focus is 1.8 centimeters. Write an equation to
SOLUTION: represent the cross section of the reflector plate.
Since the focus is above the vertex, the axis of
symmetry is vertical.
So the equation is of the form
.

h = , k = 1, p = 2

The equation is
SOLUTION:
Let the vertex be located at a point corresponding to
(0, 0). The parabola opens to the right, so has the
ANSWER: form .

h = 0, k = 0, p = 1.8

6. vertex , directrix x = So the equation is

SOLUTION:
Since the directix is vertical, the axis of symmetry is ANSWER:
horizontal.
.

h = , k = –2, p =

The equation is
ANSWER:

Graph each equation. 9.
8.
SOLUTION:
SOLUTION: Write the equation in standard form to identify h, k,
Write the equation in standard form to identify h, k, and p.
and p.
Thus, h = 4, k = –6, and p = .
Identify some key features of the graph and then Thus, h = –5, k = 3, and p = .
draw. Identify some key features of the graph and then
draw.
focus: (4, –6 + ) or (4, –5 )
vertex: (4, –6) focus:
axis of symmetry: x = 4 vertex: (–5, 3)
directrix: y = –6 – or y = axis of symmetry: x = –5
direction of opening: up because p > 0 directrix: y = 3 – or y =
direction of opening: up because p > 0

ANSWER:
ANSWER:

10. 11.
SOLUTION: SOLUTION:
Write the equation in standard form to identify h, k, Write the equation in standard form to identify h, k,
and p. and p.
Thus, h = 0, k = 2, and p = 2. Thus, h = –2, k = 4, and p = –1.
Identify some key features of the graph and then Identify some key features of the graph and then
draw. draw.
focus: (0, 2 + 2) or (0, 4) focus: (–2 + (–1), 4) or (–3, 4)
vertex: (0, 2) vertex: (–2, 4)
axis of symmetry: x = 0 axis of symmetry: y = 4
directrix: y = 2 - 2 or y = 0 directrix: x = –2 - (–1) or x = –1
direction of opening: up because p > 0 direction of opening: left because p < 0
ANSWER: ANSWER:

Write an equation for each parabola. 14. focus (0, 8), directrix y = –8
12. focus , directrix
SOLUTION:
is vertical.
SOLUTION: The equation is of the form .
horizontal. h = 0, k = 0, and p = 8.

The equation is of the form . The equation is

The vertex is (0, 0) and p = 2.5.

So h = 0, k = 0, and p = 2.5

The equation is ANSWER:

SOLUTION:
ANSWER:
is vertical.
13. focus , directrix y =
h = 0, k = 0, and p = –10.

SOLUTION: The equation is
is vertical.

h = 0, k = 0, and p = . ANSWER:

The equation is
ANSWER:

16. focus (1, 4), directrix y = –4 18. focus (5, 2), directrix x = –1

SOLUTION:
Since the directrix is horizontal, the axis of symmetry SOLUTION:
is vertical. Since the directrix is vertical, the axis of symmetry is
The equation is of the form . horizontal.
h = 1, k = 0, and p = 4.
The vertex is (2, 2) and p = 5 – 2.
The equation is
h = 2, k = 2, and p = 3.

The equation is

ANSWER:

ANSWER:
SOLUTION:
is vertical.
19. focus (4, –1), directrix x = 8

The vertex is (2, 1) and p = –1 – 1. SOLUTION:
h = 2, k = 1, and p = –2. horizontal.

The equation is

The vertex is (6, –1) and p = 4 – 6.

h = 6, k = –1, and p = –2

ANSWER: The equation is
ANSWER:

20. vertex (0, 0), directrix y = –2 22. vertex (4, 4), directrix y = 3
SOLUTION: SOLUTION:
Since the directrix is horizontal, the axis of symmetry Since the directrix is horizontal, the axis of symmetry
is vertical. is vertical.

h = 0, k = 0, and p = 2. The vertex is (4, 4) and p = 4 – 3
h = 4, k = 4, and p = 1
The equation is
The equation is

ANSWER:
ANSWER:
21. vertex (0, 0), directrix x = 3
23. vertex (1, –1), directrix y = 1
SOLUTION:
Since the directrix is vertical, the axis of symmetry is SOLUTION:
horizontal. Since the directrix is horizontal, the axis of symmetry
The equation is of the form . is vertical.
The vertex is (0, 0) and p = 0 – 3.
The vertex is (1, –1) and p = –1 – 1
h = 0, k = 0, and p = –3 h = 1, k = –1, and p = –2


ANSWER: ANSWER:

24. vertex (5, 1), directrix x = 0 26. vertex (0, 6), directrix x = 2
SOLUTION: SOLUTION:
Since the directrix is vertical, the axis of symmetry is Since the directrix is vertical, the axis of symmetry is
horizontal. horizontal.

The vertex is (5, 1) and p = 5 – 0. The vertex is (0, 6) and p = 0 – 2.

h = 5, k = 1, and p = 5 h = 0, k = 6, and p = –2


ANSWER:
ANSWER:
27. vertex (–7, 0), directrix x = –2
25. vertex (–3, 1), directrix x = –4
SOLUTION:
SOLUTION: Since the directrix is vertical, the axis of symmetry is
Since the directrix is vertical, the axis of symmetry is horizontal.
horizontal. The equation is of the form .
The vertex is (–7, 0) and p = –7 – (–2).
The vertex is (–3, 1) and p = –3 – (–4).
h = –7, k = 0, and p = –5
h = –3, k = 1, and p = 1
The equation is
The equation is
ANSWER:
ANSWER:
28. CARS The parabolic reflector plate of a car
headlight has its bulb located at the focus of the
parabola. The distance between the vertex and the
focus is 6.5 centimeters.



a. Write an equation of the cross section of the
reflector plate.
b. Graph the parabola. Graph each equation.
29.
SOLUTION:
a. The parabola opens upward so the axis of SOLUTION:

The vertex is (0, 0) and the focus is 6.5 cm above the The vertex is (0, 0) and p > 0. The parabola opens
vertex. upward.

h = 0, k = 0, p = 6.5

The equation is
b.
ANSWER:
ANSWER:
a.

b.

30. 31.
SOLUTION: SOLUTION:
The vertex is (0, 0) and p > 0. The parabola opens The vertex is (0, 0) and p < 0. The parabola opens
upward. downward.

ANSWER: ANSWER:

32. 33.
SOLUTION: SOLUTION:
The vertex is (0, 0) and p > 0. The parabola opens to
the right. The vertex is (1, –4) and p > 0. The parabola opens
upward.

ANSWER:
ANSWER:

35.
34.
SOLUTION: SOLUTION:
The vertex is (–6, 0) and p < 0. The parabola opens The vertex is (0, 1) and p > 0. The parabola opens
to the left. upward.

ANSWER: ANSWER:

36. 37.
SOLUTION: SOLUTION:

The vertex is (–1, –5) and p < 0. The parabola opens
The vertex is (2, 3) and p < 0. The parabola opens to the left.
downward.

ANSWER:
ANSWER:

38. 39.
SOLUTION: SOLUTION:
The vertex is (3, 5) and p < 0. The parabola opens The vertex is (–4, –4) and p > 0. The parabola opens
downward. to the right.

ANSWER: ANSWER:

40. 42.
SOLUTION: SOLUTION:

The vertex is (6, 4) and p < 0. The parabola opens to The vertex is (4, 0); 4p = –4, so p = –1. The parabola
the left. opens to the left, so the axis of symmetry is
horizontal.

The focus is (4 – 1, 0), or (3, 0).
The directrix is x = 4 – (–1), or x = 5.
ANSWER:
(3, 0); x = 5
43.
SOLUTION:
ANSWER:
The vertex is (–3, 1); 4p = 24, so p = 6. The parabola
opens to the right, so the axis of symmetry is
horizontal.

The focus is (–3 + 6, 1), or (3, 1).
The directrix is x = –3 – 6, or x = –9.
ANSWER:
(3, 1); x = –9
Identify the focus and directrix of each parabola.
41.
SOLUTION:
The vertex is (–2, 3); 4p = 8, so p = 2. The parabola
opens upward, so the axis of symmetry is vertical.

The focus is (–2, 3 + 2), or (–2, 5).
The directrix is y = 3 – 2, or y = 1.
ANSWER:
(–2, 5); y = 1

44. SOLAR ENERGY Solar energy can be Write the equation of the parabola with the
concentrated using parabolic reflecting plates. The given directrix and with vertex at (0, 0).
collected energy is used to heat homes and produce
electricity. Write an equation to represent the cross 45.
section of the parabolic plate shown. SOLUTION:

Since the vertex is at (0, 0) and the directrix is
, .

Since the directrix is vertical and p > 0, the parabola
opens to the right.

So the equation has the form .

SOLUTION:
The vertex is (0, 0) and p = 8.5.
The parabola opens upward, so is in the form
. ANSWER:

y2 = 6x
h = 0, k = 0, p = 8.5

46.
SOLUTION:

, .
ANSWER:
Since the directrix is horizontal and p < 0, the
parabola opens downward.


ANSWER:

49.
47.
SOLUTION:
SOLUTION:
Since the vertex is at (0, 0) and the directrix is , .
, .
Since the directrix is vertical and p > 0, the parabola
Since the directrix is horizontal and p > 0, the opens to the right.
parabola opens upward.

ANSWER:
ANSWER: y2 = 16x
50.
SOLUTION:
48.
Since the vertex is at (0, 0) and the directrix is ,
SOLUTION:
Since the vertex is at (0, 0) and the directrix is .

, .
Since the directrix is vertical and p < 0, the parabola

opens to the left.
Since the directrix is horizontal and p < 0, the

parabola opens downward.


ANSWER:
ANSWER:

51. A parabola with vertex (0, 0) has equation y2 – 16x = Write an equation for each parabola.
0 and is shifted 3 units to the right and 2 units up. 52. focus (0, –3), directrix y = 3
Write the equation of the new parabola. Then graph
SOLUTION:
both parabolas on the same coordinate plane.
SOLUTION: is vertical.
Conjecture: The equation of the new parabola is (y – The equation is of the form .
2)2 = 16 (x – 3). The graph, shown below, verifies
h = 0, k = 0, and p = –3.
that (y – 2)2 = 16 (x – 3) is a translation of y2 – 16x

= 0 by 3 units to the right and 2 units up.
The equation is

ANSWER:
53. focus (0, 7), directrix y = –7
SOLUTION:
is vertical.

ANSWER: h = 0, k = 0, and p = 7.
(y – 2)2 = 16 (x – 3);
The equation is
ANSWER:

Identify the coordinates of the vertex and focus,
54. vertex , focus
and the equation of the directrix of each

parabola.

56.
SOLUTION:
Since the focus is above the vertex, the axis of SOLUTION:
.
The vertex is located at (1, –2).
4p = 4, so p = 1.
h = , k = 1, p = 2

The parabola is open upward.
The equation is
The focus is (1, –2 + 1), or (1, –1).
The directrix is y = –2 – 1, or y = –3.

ANSWER:
ANSWER:
The focus is (1, –1).
The directrix is y = –3.
55. vertex , directrix x =

SOLUTION:
Since the directix is vertical, the axis of symmetry is
horizontal.
.

h = , k = –2, p =

The equation is
ANSWER:

57. 59.
SOLUTION: SOLUTION:

4p = , so p = . 4p = 1, so p = .

The parabola is open to the right. The parabola is open to the right.
The focus is (4 , –2). The focus is (4 , –6).
The directrix is x = 3 .
The directrix is x = 3 .

ANSWER: ANSWER:
The vertex is located at (4, –2). The vertex is located at (4, –6).
The focus is (4 , –2). The focus is (4 , –6).
The directrix is x = 3 . The directrix is x = 3 .

58.
SOLUTION:

The vertex is located at (2, 0).
4p = , so p = .

The parabola is open upward.
The focus is (2, 0 + ), or (2, ).
The directrix is y =0 – , or y = – .

ANSWER:
The focus is (2, ).
The directrix is y = – .


60. 61.
SOLUTION: SOLUTION:

The vertex is located at (–1, 1).
4p = 1, so p = .
4p = , so p = .

The parabola opens upward.
The parabola is open to the right.
The focus is ( , 1). The focus is (0, 4 ).
The directrix is x = . The directrix is y = 3 .

ANSWER: ANSWER:
The vertex is located at (–1, 1). The vertex is located at (0, 4).
The focus is ( , 1). The focus is (0, 4 ).
The directrix is x = . The directrix is y = 3 .


62. CRITIQUE ARGUMENTS Describe the error in
the graph of each parabola. d. Use your answers to parts b and c to write the
coordinates of the point(s) of intersection of the two
a. x2 + 4y = 0 graphs. Compare this to your estimates in part a.

e . Verify that the point(s) you found in part d lie on
both parabolas.

SOLUTION:
a. Sample answer: (0, 4), (2, 0)
b.
b.
x = 0 or x = 2
c.
y = 4 or y = 0
d. (0, 4) and (2, 0); They are the same intersection
points.
e . Check the solution (0, 4): For y = –x2 + 4,: 4 = –02
SOLUTION:
a. The graph should be open down. This is the graph + 4, so (0, 4) is a solution; For (x – 2)2 = (0 – 2)2 = 4,
so (0, 4) is a solution. Check the
of x2 – 4y = 0.
solution (2, 0): For y = –x2 + 4, 0 = –22 + 4, so (2, 0)
b. The directrix should be the line .
is a solution; For (x – 2)2 = (2 – 2)2 = 0, so (2, 0) is a
ANSWER: solution. So, the points lie on both
a. The graph should be open down. This is the graph parabolas.
of x2 – 4y = 0. ANSWER:
b. The directrix should be the line . a. Sample answer: (0, 4), (2, 0)
b. x = 0 or x = 2
63. Graph y = –x2 + 4 and (x – 2)2 = y on the same c. y = 4 or y = 0
coordinate plane. d. (0, 4) and (2, 0); They are the same intersection
points.
a. Estimate the point(s) of intersection of the two
e . Check the solution (0, 4): For y = –x2 + 4,: 4 = –02
parabolas.
+ 4, so (0, 4) is a solution; For (x – 2)2 = (0 – 2)2 = 4,
so (0, 4) is a solution. Check the
b. Substitute the expression (x – 2)2 for y into y =
solution (2, 0): For y = –x2 + 4, 0 = –22 + 4, so (2, 0)
–x2 + 4 and solve for x.
is a solution; For (x – 2)2 = (2 – 2)2 = 0, so (2, 0) is a
c. Substitute the value(s) you found in part b into y = solution. So, the points lie on both
parabolas.
–x2 + 4 and solve for y.
64. Graph on a graphing calculator.

a. This graph is reflected in the line y = –1. Write the
equation of the image.

b. Write an equation that represents the parabola
formed by the original graph and its image.
SOLUTION:
a.

b. Together, the graphs form a parabola that opens to
the right and has vertex (–2, –1). With 4p = 1, the
b. Since p = 50, the equations are y2 = 200x and x2 =
equation is . 200y.

c. No. The depth of the antenna is the same for both
ANSWER: sketches. It is equal to the distance between the
focus and the vertex, 50 inches.
a.
ANSWER:
b. a.
65. TELEVISION A television station uses parabolic
antennas to transmit their signals. An antenna used to
transmit the signal has a focus 50 inches from the
vertex.

a. Make two sketches of the antenna: one opening
upwards and one opening to the right.

b. Use your sketches to write an equation for each
sketch. Use the forms x2 = 4py and y2 = 4px.

c. Does the equation you found in part b affect the
depth of the antenna? Explain. b. y2 = 200x and x2 = 200y
c. No. The depth of the antenna is the same for both
SOLUTION: sketches. It is equal to the distance between the
a. focus and the vertex, 50 inches.

66. ASTRONOMY In astronomy, a radio telescope dish 67. WRITING IN MATH Explain how to find the
is shaped like a parabola and has special antennas to distance from the focus to the directrix for the
detect signals from space, known as the “radio parabola x = 4y2.
universe.” A radio telescope can be over 100 meters
in diameter, but it can vary greatly in design, size, and SOLUTION:
configuration. Sample answer: If you rewrite the equation of the
parabola as , it is of the form y2 = 4px.
a. In a typical antenna, the distance between the
focus and the vertex is 25 meters. What is an Therefore, , and . The value of p
equation of the parabola? Assume that vertex is (0, represents the distance from the focus to the vertex
0). and from the vertex to the directrix. So, the distance
from the focus to the directrix must be 2p, or in this
b. Explain how a single dish antenna may work in a case.
parabola-shaped telescope dish.
ANSWER:
SOLUTION: Sample answer: If you rewrite the equation of the
a. With vertex (0, 0) and p = 25, the equation is x2 = parabola as , it is of the form y2 = 4px.
100y. Therefore, , and . The value of p
b. Sample answer: As the signals come in, they are
represents the distance from the focus to the vertex
essentially parallel and are therefore reflected from
and from the vertex to the directrix. So, the distance
the parabolic surface to the focus. The signals
become magnified because they are added together from the focus to the directrix must be 2p, or in this
before they are transmitted to a receiver. case.

68. WRITING IN MATH The parabolic reflector plate
ANSWER: of a bicycle head lamp has its bulb located at the
focus of the parabola. Explain the possible
a. x2 = 100y advantages to using this design.
b. Sample answer: As the signals come in, they are
essentially parallel and are therefore reflected from SOLUTION:
the parabolic surface to the focus. The signals Sample answer: If the bulb is located at the focus,
become magnified because they are added together then the light rays will all be deflected to the focus,
before they are transmitted to a receiver. which will concentrate the light beams to make the
output brighter.
ANSWER:
Sample answer: If the bulb is located at the focus,
then the light rays will all be deflected to the focus,
which will concentrate the light beams to make the
output brighter.

69. REASONING Explain how to find the equation of a 71. CHALLENGE
parabola which has a vertex at (3, –2) and a focus at
(6, –2). a. What part of a parabola can be modeled by the
equation ?
b. What is the domain and range of the function in
SOLUTION:
part a?
Sample answer: Make a sketch of the parabola by
graphing the vertex and focus. Since they are on the c. Explain how the equation is related to a
same horizontal line and the focus is to the right of parabola of the form y2 = 4px.
the vertex, the parabola opens to the right and will be d. State a rule that you could use to help you use a
of the form (y – k)2 = 4p(x – h) with vertex (h, k). graphing calculator to show the graph of y2 = 4px.
So, h = 3 and k = –2.The distance between the focus
and the vertex is the value of p, or 3. Substitute the SOLUTION:
values into (y – k)2 = 4p(x – h) to get the equation, a. Top half of a parabola that has vertex (0, 0) and is
open to the right
(y + 2)2 = 4(3)(x – 3), or (y + 2)2 = 12(x – 3). b. Domain: x ≥ 0; Range: y ≥ 0
ANSWER: c. Sample answer: If you square both sides of
Sample answer: Make a sketch of the parabola by , you get . This is related to y2 = 4px
graphing the vertex and focus. Since they are on the because the coefficient of x in y2 = 4px is 4p. So
same horizontal line and the focus is to the right of they are part of the same family of parabolas .
the vertex, the parabola opens to the right and will be
If p = , then the equations are identical.
of the form (y – k)2 = 4p(x – h) with vertex (h, k).
So, h = 3 and k = –2.The distance between the focus d. Sample answer: Make a list of values for p,
and the vertex is the value of p, or 3. Substitute the including values less than 1, and then use the
values into (y – k)2 = 4p(x – h) to get the equation, calculator to graph the family of functions of
(y + 2)2 = 4(3)(x – 3), or (y + 2)2 = 12(x – 3). the form and to see the
complete parabolas.
70. WRITING IN MATH As the value of p increases,
ANSWER:
how does the width of the graph of
a. Top half of a parabola that has vertex (0, 0) and is
change? Justify your reasoning.
open to the right
SOLUTION: b. Domain: x ≥ 0; Range: y ≥ 0
Sample answer: As the value of p increases, the c. Sample answer: If you square both sides of
width of the graph increases because becomes , you get . This is related to y2 = 4px
smaller and smaller. This is because if the coefficient because the coefficient of x in y2 = 4px is 4p. So
of the x2-term is less than 1, then the graph of the they are part of the same family of parabolas .
parabola becomes wider. If p = , then the equations are identical.

ANSWER: d. Sample answer: Make a list of values for p,
Sample answer: As the value of p increases, the including values less than 1, and then use the
width of the graph increases because becomes calculator to graph the family of functions of
smaller and smaller. This is because if the coefficient the form and to see the
complete parabolas.
of the x2-term is less than 1, then the graph of the
parabola becomes wider.

72. REASONING How are a and p related in the same 74. WRITING IN MATH Explain the relationship
parabola expressed both as y = ax2 and x2 = 4py? between the Distance Formula, the equation of a
parabola with vertex (0, 0), and the equation of a
SOLUTION: congruent parabola with a vertex not at the origin.
Solve for y in
SOLUTION:
Sample answer: This Distance Formula can be used
to find the equations of both parabolas with vertex (0,
0), and parabolas that are
Compare the equations. translated. The Distance Formula verifies that the
distance from the focus to a point on the parabola is
equal to the distance from the point
to the directrix. This does not change if the parabola
is translated.
ANSWER:
ANSWER:
Sample answer: This Distance Formula can be used
73. REASONING Predict how a change in the value of to find the equations of both parabolas with vertex (0,
0), and parabolas that are
p in the equation y2 = 4px will affect the focus,
translated. The Distance Formula verifies that the
directrix, and graph of y2 = 4px. Then verify your distance from the focus to a point on the parabola is
prediction by graphing both in same coordinate plane. equal to the distance from the point
to the directrix. This does not change if the parabola
SOLUTION:
is translated.
Sample answer: As p increases, the focus gets
further away from the vertex of the graph of y2 =
4px, and the distance between the focus
and directrix increases. As p decreases, the focus
gets closer to the vertex of the graph of y2 = 4px, and
the distance between the focus and directrix
decreases. This is verified by graphing.
ANSWER:
Sample answer: As p increases, the focus gets
further away from the vertex of the graph of y2 =
4px, and the distance between the focus
and directrix increases. As p decreases, the focus
gets closer to the vertex of the graph of y2 = 4px, and
the distance between the focus and directrix
decreases. This is verified by graphing.

75. CHALLENGE Prove or disprove that the point (–8, 76. Use the Distance Formula to derive the equation of a
-4) lies on a parabola with vertex (0, 0) and parabola with focus (0, 4) and directrix y = –4.
containing the point . SOLUTION:
Choose a point on the parabola, (x, y). Then the
SOLUTION: distance from the point to the focus is equal to the
Sample answer: Graph the three points to see that distance from the point to the directrix.
they are located on a parabola with vertex (0, 0) that
is opening downward. Because the
vertex is (0, 0), substitute the coordinates into x2 =
4py, and solve for p. If p is the same for both points,
then the points are solutions to
the same parabola.

ANSWER:
77. MULTI-STEP Consider the parabola with vertex (–
4, 2) and focus (–4, 5).
a. Write the equation of the parabola.
b. Which of the following statements is true about the
graph of the parabola?
A The graph opens upward.
Because the value of p is different for each point, the B The graph opens downward.
points are not on the same parabola. C The graph opens to the right.
D The graph opens to the left.
ANSWER:

Sample answer: Graph the three points to see that c. Which of the following points are on the graph of
they are located on a parabola with vertex (0, 0) that the parabola? Select all that apply.
is opening downward. Because the
A (2, 5)
vertex is (0, 0), substitute the coordinates into x2 =
4py, and solve for p. If p is the same for both points, B (–3, )
then the points are solutions to C (0, 0)
the same parabola. D (8, 14)
E (–4, 2)
F (6, 3)

d. Which of the following is the equation of the
directrix of the parabola?
A y = –1
B y = 1
C x = 3
D x = –1

e . Describe how the vertex of the graph is translated
Because the value of p is different for each point, the from (0, 0).
points are not on the same parabola.

SOLUTION: 78. Which of the following is the equation of a parabola
a. Since the focus is 3 units above the vertex, the with vertex (3, –5) and directrix x = 7?
parabola opens upward and p = 3. With vertex (–4,
2), the equation is A (y – 5)2 = –16(x + 3)
B (x – 3)2 = –16(y + 5)
C (y + 5)2 = –16(x – 3)
D (y + 5)2 = 16(x – 3)
b. Since the focus is 3 units above the vertex, the SOLUTION:
parabola opens upward. Choice A is correct.

c. Substitute the coordinates from each ordered pair horizontal, and so the parabola has the form y2 =
into the equation from part a. The points in choices A, 4px.
D, and E are all on the parabola. With vertex (3, –5), the quantities (y + 5) and (x – 3)
will be in the equation, with (y + 5) being squared.
d. The directrix is horizontal and 3 units below the Since the directrix is 4 units to the right of the vertex,
vertex. So its equation is y = –1. Choice A is correct. p = –4, so 4p = –16. So the equation in choice C is
correct.

e . The vertex is translated 4 units left and 2 units up.

ANSWER:
ANSWER:
a.
C
79. Consider the parabola (y – 1)2 = –8(x + 5).
b. A
c. A, D, and E a. Identify the vertex.
d. A
e . The vertex is translated 4 units left and 2 units up. b. Identify the focus.

c. Identify the directrix.
SOLUTION:
a. The vertex is (–5, 1).
b. Since 4p = –8, p = –2. So this parabola opens to
the left. The focus, then, is 2 units left of the vertex,
or (–7, 1).
c. The directrix is 2 units right from the vertex, and is
vertical, so its equation is x = –3.

ANSWER:
a. (–5, 1)
b. (–7, 1)
c. x = –3

80. The graph of x2 = –2y is translated 1 unit down and 4
units left. Which of the following is the equation of
the new parabola?

A (x + 1)2 = 2(y – 4)
B (x – 4)2 = –2(y – 1)
C (x + 4)2 = –2(y – 1)
D (x + 4)2 = –2(y + 1)
SOLUTION:
A translation 1 unit down adds 1 to y and a translation
4 units left adds 4 to x. The correct equation is shown
in choice D.

ANSWER:
D
81. The parabolic reflector of a theatrical stage light has
a bulb located at the focus of the reflector. If the
focus of the parabola is 8.5 inches from the vertex,
what are two possible equations of the parabola?
SOLUTION:
Let the vertex be located at (0, 0), with p = 8.5. Then
the equation could be of a parabola that opens
upward or one that opens to the right.
The equations could be or .
ANSWER:
or
82. Write an equation of the parabola with focus (–4, –1)
and directrix y = 13.
SOLUTION:
The focus and directrix show that the vertex is (–4,
6), p = –7, and that the parabola opens downward.

The equation of the parabola is
.

ANSWER:

Equations of Parabolas

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