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San Fabian National High School

San Fabian, Pangasinan
11
MODULE
in
PRE-CALCULUS
Science, Technology, Engineering
and Mathematics Strand

Quarter 1 Module 2
Week 2

For queries, please contact me:

Name of Teacher Contact Number Messenger
MICHAEL P. NAVARRO 09307911269 Mike Navarro
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MODULE 2: PARABOLA

Most Essential Learning Competencies

1. Define a parabola (STEM_PC11AG-Ia-5);
2. Determine the standard form of equation of a parabola (STEM_PC11AG-Ib-1).

 Introduction
In mathematics, a parabola is a plane curve which is mirror-symmetrical and is approximately
U-shaped. It is one of the conic sections. It fits several other superficially
different mathematical descriptions, which can all be proved to define exactly the same curves.
The parabola has many important applications, from a parabolic antenna or parabolic
microphone to automobile headlight reflectors and the design of ballistic missiles. They are frequently
used in physics, engineering, and many other areas.

 Definition and Equation of a Parabola

A parabola is the set of all points (x, y) in a plane that are the same distance from a fixed line,
called the directrix, and a fixed point (the focus) not on the directrix.

In Figure 1, we identify some important parts of the graph of a parabola like the vertex, line or
axis of symmetry, latus rectum, directrix, focus using the vertex form.

Focal distance or
focal length

Figure 1

The axis of symmetry or line of symmetry of a parabola divides the parabola into two halves
that are reflections of each other about the line of symmetry. It intersects a parabola at its vertex. The
vertex is the midpoint between the directrix and the focus. The line segment that passes through the
focus and is parallel to the directrix is called the latus rectum. The endpoints of the latus rectum lie on
the curve. The focal distance is the distance from the vertex to the focus. The distance from the vertex
to the focus is equal to the distance from vertex to the directix.

To work with parabolas in the coordinate plane, we consider two cases: those with a vertex at
the origin and those with a vertex at a point other than the origin. We begin with the former.

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Figure 2
Let (x, y) be a point on the parabola with vertex (0, 0), focus (0, p), and directrix y = −p
as shown in Figure 2. The distance d from point (x, y) to point (x, −p) on the directrix is the difference
of the y-values: d = y + p. The distance from the focus (0, p) to the point (x, y) is also equal to d and can
be expressed using the distance formula.
𝑑 = √(𝑥 − 0)2 + (𝑦 − 𝑝)2
= √(𝑥 − 0)2 + (𝑦 − 𝑝)2
Set the two expressions for d equal to each other and solve for y to derive the equation of the
parabola. We do this because the distance from (x, y) to (0, p) equals the distance from (x, y) to (x, −p).
√𝑥 2 + (𝑦 − 𝑝)2 = 𝑦 + 𝑝
We then square both sides of the equation, expand the squared terms, and simplify by
combining like terms.
𝑥 2 + (𝑦 − 𝑝)2 = (𝑦 + 𝑝)2
𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 2𝑝𝑦 + 𝑝2 = 𝑦 2 + 2𝑝𝑦 + 𝑝2
𝑥 2 − 2𝑝𝑦 + 𝑝2 = 2𝑝𝑦
𝑥 2 = 4𝑝𝑦
The equations of parabolas with vertex (0, 0) are 𝑦 2 = 4𝑝𝑥 when the x-axis is the axis of
symmetry and 𝑥 2 = 4𝑝𝑦 when the y-axis is the axis of symmetry.

Table 1 shows the general and standard/vertex form of the equation of the parabola with vertex
at origin and at (h, k)
Vertex General Form Standard Form/Vertex Form

2
𝑦 2 = 4𝑝𝑥
y + Cx + D = 0
𝑦 2 = −4𝑝𝑥
(0, 0)
𝑥 2 = 4𝑝𝑦
x2 + Cy + D = 0
𝑥 2 = −4𝑝𝑦
(𝑦 − 𝑘)2 = 4𝑝(𝑥 − ℎ)
y2 + Cx + Dy + E = 0
(𝑦 − 𝑘)2 = −4𝑝(𝑥 − ℎ)
(h, k)
2
(𝑥 − ℎ)2 = 4𝑝(𝑦 − 𝑘)
x + Cx + Dy + E = 0
(𝑥 − ℎ)2 = −4𝑝(𝑦 − 𝑘)

Table 1

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 Standard Form/Vertex Form of the Equation of a Parabola with Vertex at Origin(0, 0)

Equations Focus Parabolas opens Directrix Axis of Symmetry
𝑦 2 = 4𝑝𝑥 (p, 0) to the right x = -p y=0
𝑦 2 = −4𝑝𝑥 (-p, 0) to the left x=p y=0
𝑥 2 = 4𝑝𝑦 (0, p) upward y = -p x=0
𝑥 2 = −4𝑝𝑦 (0, -p) downward y=p x=0
Table 2
Table 2 shows four equations of the parabola in standard form with vertex at (0, 0). If the focus
is at (p, 0), the parabola opens to the right and its equation is 𝑦2 = 4px. If the focus is at (−p, 0), the
parabola opens to the left and its equation is 𝑦2 = −4px. If, on the other hand, the focus is at (0, p), the
parabola opens to the upward and its equation is 𝑥2 = 4py. The parabola that opens downward has focus
(0, −p) and equation 𝑥2 = −4py.
Table 2 also shows the equations of the directrix and the axis of symmetry of the parabola based
on its opening.
Example 1. Determine the vertex, axis of symmetry, focus, focal distance (p), directrix, length of latus
rectum, endpoints of the latus rectum and sketch the graph of the parabola with the given equation.
1. x2 = -48y
Solution: The vertex is (0, 0) since it is at the origin. The axis of symmetry is x = 0 and the parabola
opens downward (see Table 2). To determine focus, find focal distance (p) first.
To find p:
Standard form: 𝑥 2 = 4𝑝𝑦
Given equation: 𝑥 2 = −48𝑦
So, 4p = -48
4𝑝 −48
=
4 4
p = -12
For x2 = -48y, the focus is (0, -p), so the focus is at (0, -12). The directrix is 12 units from the
vertex, so the directrix is y = 12 (see Table 2). Since the length of the latus rectum is 48 (48 is the
coefficient of y variable from the given equation, 𝑥 2 = −48𝑦), its endpoints are 24 units to the right
from the focus having the coordinate (24, -12) and 24 units to the left from the focus having the
coordinate (-24, -12). Plotting the obtained parts, the graph of the parabola will appear as follows (see
Figure 3).

Vertex: (0, 0)
Directrix: y = 12

Focal distance: p = -12

(-24, -12) (24, -12)

Latus Rectum Focus: (0, -12

Figure 3 Figure 3

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2. x2 = 12y
Solution: The parabola opens upward. (see Figure 4)
Vertex: (0, 0)
Axis of symmetry: x = 0
Focus: (0, 3)
Directrix: y = -3

Figure 4
 Standard Form/Vertex Form of the Equation of a Parabola with Vertex at (h, k)
The parabolas we considered so far are “vertical” and have their vertices at the origin. Some
parabolas open instead horizontally (to the left or right), and some have vertices not at the origin.

To graph parabolas with a vertex (h, k) other than the origin, we use the standard form
(𝑥 − ℎ)2 = 4𝑝(𝑦 − 𝑘) for parabolas that have an axis of symmetry parallel to the y-axis and
(𝑦 − 𝑘)2 = 4𝑝(𝑥 − ℎ) for parabolas that have an axis of symmetry parallel to the x-axis. These standard
forms are given below (see Table 3), along with their general graphs.

Opening of
Axis of Endpoints of
Equation Condition the Focus Directrix
Symmetry Latus Rectum
parabola

(𝑥 − ℎ)2 = 4𝑝(𝑦 − 𝑘) p>0 Upward x=h (ℎ, 𝑘 + p) y=k−p (ℎ ± 2p, 𝑘 + p)

(𝑥 − ℎ)2 = −4𝑝(𝑦 − 𝑘) p<0 Downward x=h (ℎ, 𝑘 - p) y=k+p (ℎ ± 2p, 𝑘 + p)

(𝑦 − 𝑘)2 = 4𝑝(𝑥 − ℎ) p>0 To the right y=k (ℎ + p, 𝑘) x=h-p (ℎ + p, 𝑘 ± 2p)

(𝑦 − 𝑘)2 = −4𝑝(𝑥 − ℎ) p<0 To the left y=k (ℎ - p, 𝑘) x=h+p (ℎ + p, 𝑘 ± 2p)

Table 3
In all four cases below (see Figure 5), we assume that p > 0. The vertex is V(h, k), and it lies
between the focus F and the directrix l. The focus F is p units away from the vertex V, and the directrix
is p units away from the vertex. Recall that, for any point on the parabola, its distance from the focus is
the same as its distance from the directrix.

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(𝑥 − ℎ)2 = 4𝑝(𝑦 − 𝑘) (𝑦 − 𝑘)2 = 4𝑝(𝑥 − ℎ)

(𝑥 − ℎ)2 = −4𝑝(𝑦 − 𝑘) (𝑦 − 𝑘)2 = −4𝑝(𝑥 − ℎ)

Figure 5

Study the following example on how to determine the vertex, axis of symmetry, focus, focal
distance (p), directrix, length of latus rectum, endpoints of the latus rectum and sketching the graph of
the given equation of parabola with vertex at (h, k).

Example 2: Determine the vertex, axis of symmetry, focus, focal distance (p), directrix, length of latus
rectum, endpoints of the latus rectum and sketch the graph of the following equation of parabola.
1. (𝑦 + 1)2 = 8(𝑥 − 4)
Solution: From the equation, the opening of the parabola is to the right (see Table 3).
Standard Form: (𝑦 − 𝑘)2 = 4𝑝(𝑥 − ℎ)
Given equation: (𝑦 + 1)2 = 8(𝑥 − 4)
 Vertex: (h, k). To get the coordinates of the vertex, get the value of h and k from the given
equation, change their sign and substitute it to (h, k). So, the vertex is at (4, -1).
 The axis of symmetry is y = k (see Table 3), so the axis of symmetry is y = -1.
 Solve for p to determine focus. To solve p, compare the standard form and given equation of
the parabola: (𝑦 − 𝑘)2 = 4𝑝(𝑥 − ℎ) (𝑦 + 1)2 = 8(𝑥 − 4)

(𝑦 + 1)2 = 4(2) (𝑥 − 4) Latus

Rectum
Thus, the value of focal distance (p) is 2.

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 The focus is (ℎ + p, 𝑘) (see Table 3), which is (4 + 2, -1), so the focus is at (6, -1).
 The directrix is x = h – p (see Table 3), which is x = 4 – 2, so the directrix is x = 2.
 The length of the latus rectum is 8 units. Since the given is (𝑦 + 1)2 = 8(𝑥 − 4), use (ℎ + p, 𝑘 ±
2p) to get the endpoints of latus rectum (see Table 3). Substitution will give us (4 + 2, -1 + 4)
and (4 + 2, -1 – 4). Thus, the coordinates of the endpoints of latus rectum are (6, 3) and (6, -5).
 Below is the graph of this given equation of parabola (see Figure 6).

2. (x – 2)2 = 4(y – 1)
Solution: The opening of the parabola is upward (see Table 3).
h = 2 and k = 1, p = 1
 Vertex: (h, k) Vertex: (2, 1)
 Axis of symmetry: x = h Axis of symmetry: x = 2
 Focus: (ℎ, 𝑘 + p) (2, 1 + 1) Focus: (2, 2)
 Directrix: y = k – p y=1–1 Directrix: y = 0
 Latus Rectum: 4 units
 Endpoints of Latus Rectum: (ℎ ± 2p, 𝑘 + p) (4, 2) and (0, 2)
 Graph (see Figure 7)

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3. y2 – 2x + 10y – 29 = 0.
Solution: The given equation is in general form so the first thing you need to do is to transform it
into standard form.
 y2 – 2x + 10y – 29 = 0 (Rewrite the equation with y2 and y terms (or the x2 and x terms) on the
left side of the equation and the rest of the terms on the right side. In this case, we are going to
transpose -2x and -29 to the right side. See the next equation)
 y2 + 10y = 2x + 29 (After we transposed -2x and -29, add a number to each side to make the
side with the squared term into a perfect square trinomial (thus completing the square). To find
this number, divide the constant of the second term of the left side into half and squaring it. In
this case the constant of the second term is 10 divide it by 2 will be 5 then squaring it will be
25. So, add 25 to both sides of the equation. See the next equation.)
 y2 + 10y +25 = 2x + 29 + 25 (Next is to rewrite the perfect trinomial in factored form, and
simplify the constant of the right side by getting the sum of 29 and 25. See next equation.)
 (y + 5)2 = 2x + 54 (Factor the terms on the right side by the coefficient of the variable. See next
equation.)
 (y + 5)2 = 2(x + 27) (This is now the standard form of the given equation of parabola. We are
now ready to determine its parts.)
(y + 5)2 = 2(x + 27) is a parabola that opens to the right (see Table 3).
1
h = -27 and k = -5, p =
2
 Vertex: (-27, -5)
 Axis of symmetry: y = -5
1 1
 Focus: (ℎ + p, 𝑘) (-27 + 2, -5) Focus: (-26 2, -5)
1 1
 Directrix: x = h - p 𝑥 = −27 − 2 Directrix: 𝑥 = −27 2
 Latus Rectum: 2 units
1 1
 Endpoints of Latus Rectum: (ℎ + p, 𝑘 ± 2p) (-26 2, 4) and (-26 2, -6)
 Graph (see Figure 8)

0
-30 -25 20
1
(-26 2, 4)
Vertex: (-27, -5)
Focus: (6, -1)

-5

Latus Rectum (length is 2 units)

1 Axis of Symmetry: y = -5
Directrix: 𝑥 = −27 2 1
(-26 2, -6)

-10
Figure 8

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Example 3: Write an equation of the parabola with the given parts.

1. Write an equation of the parabola with vertical axis of symmetry, vertex at the point (5, 1), and
passing through the point (1, 3).
Solution: Since the axis of symmetry is vertical (x = h) (see Figure 5) then the equation of the
parabola is of the form (𝑥 − ℎ)2 = 4p(𝑦 − 𝑘) (see Table 3) and the vertex is (5, 1), so the equation
becomes (𝑥 − 5)2 = 4p(𝑦 − 1). Using the point (1, 3), we have (1 − 5)2 = 4p(3 − 1) (−4)2 =
16
4p(2) 16 = 4p(2) 2
= 4𝑝 8 = 4p. Therefore, the equation of the
parabola is (𝑥 − 5)2 = 8 (𝑦 − 1).
2. Write an equation of the parabola with vertex at (5, -4) and focus at (3, -4).
Solution: Since the vertex is at (5, -4), then h = 5 and k = -4. The focus is at (3, -4) which is at the
left side of the vertex, so the opening of the parabola is to the left (see Figure 9). The focal distance
(p) is the distance from the vertex to the focus, which is p = 2 (Look at the coordinates of the vertex
and focus. Their x-coordinates are not the same. The distance between their x-coordinates is the
focal distance which is p = 2). Since the opening of the parabola is to the left, then the standard
form of the equation is (y + k)2 = -4p(x - h) (see Table 3). Since the vertex is at (5, -4) and the focal
distance p = 2, so the equation becomes (y + 4)2 = -4(2)(x - 5). Therefore, the equation of the
parabola is (y + 4)2 = -8(x - 5).

Figure 9
MODULE 2 EXERCISES

Let us find out if you really understand the discussed concept by answering these exercises.
I. Determine the coordinates of the vertex, axis of symmetry, focus, length of latus rectum and endpoints
of the latus rectum of the parabola with the given equation and sketch the graph.
1. 1𝑥2 = −8y
2. (𝑥 − 1)2 = 8(𝑦 − 4)
3. x2 − 6x + 5y = −34

II. Find the standard form of equation of the parabola which satisfies the given conditions.
1. vertical axis of symmetry, vertex (0, −3), and passing through the point (1, −1).
2. vertex (−4, 2) and focus (−4, −1)
3. vertex (1, −9) and focus (−3, −9)

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Name: ___________________________________________________ Score: ___

Grade/Section: _Grade 11-Serendipity___________________________Date: ____
Signature of Parent/Guardian: __________________________________

PRE-CALCULUS QUARTER 1 MODULE 2

SUMMATIVE TEST

Direction: Encircle the letter that corresponds to the correct answer.

1. It is the set of all points (x, y) in a plane that are the same distance from a fixed line, called the
directrix, and a fixed point (the focus) not on the directrix.
a. Circle b. Ellipse c. Parabola d. Hyperbola
2. Refers to the distance from the vertex to the focus of a parabola.
a. Latus rectum b. Vertex c. focal distance d. Axis of symmetry
3. The line segment that passes through the focus and is parallel to the directrix of a parabola.
a. Latus rectum b. Vertex c. focal distance d. Axis of symmetry
4. It is the midpoint between the directrix and the focus of a parabola.
a. Latus rectum b. Vertex c. focal distance d. Axis of symmetry
5. The opening of the parabola given by the equation x2 = 24y.
a. Upward b. Downward c. To the right d. To the left
6. The opening of the parabola given by the equation (𝑦 + 3)2 = 2(𝑥 − 4).
a. Upward b. To the right c. To the left d. Downward
7. The axis of symmetry of the parabola given by the equation y2 = 20x.
a. x = 20 b. x = 0 c. y = 20 d. y = 0
8. The coordinates of the focus of the parabola given by the equation y2 = 20x.
a. (0, -5) b. (-5, 0) c. (0, 5) d. (5, 0)
9. The directrix of the parabola given by the equation y2 = 20x.
a. y = 5 b. y = -5 c. x = 5 d. x = -5
10. The length of latus rectum of the parabola given by the equation y2 = 20x.
a. 2 units b. 5 units c. 20 units d. 4 units
11. The length of latus rectum of the parabola given by the equation (𝑥 + 7)2 = −28(𝑦 − 3).
a. 4 units b. 28 units c. 7 units d. 10 units
12. The endpoints of the latus rectum of the parabola given by the equation (𝑥 + 7)2 = −28(𝑦 − 3).
a. (-4, 21) and (-4, -7) b. (21, -4) and (-7, -4) c. (-21, -4) and (7, -4) d. (-4, -21) and (-4, 7)
13. An equation of the parabola with horizontal axis of symmetry, vertex at the point (7, -3), and
passing through the point (2, 2).
a. (x - 7)2 = -5(y + 3) b. (y + 3)2 = 5(x – 7) c. (y + 3)2 = -5(x – 7) d. (x - 7)2 = 5(y + 3)
14. An equation of the parabola with vertex at (4, -6) and focus at (4, 1).
a. (y + 6)2 = -28(x – 4) b. (y + 6)2 = 28(x – 4) c. (x - 4)2 = -28(y + 6) d. (x - 4)2 = 28(y + 6)
15. The standard form of the equation of the parabola having y2 + 6x + 4y = -10.
a. (x + 1)2 = -6(y + 2) b. (x + 1)2 = 6(y + 2) c. (y + 2)2 = 6(x + 1) d. (y + 2)2 = -6(x + 1)

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Name: ___________________________________________________ Score: ___

Grade/Section: _Grade 11-Serendipity___________________________Date: _____
Signature of Parent/Guardian: __________________________________

PERFORMANCE TASK 2
Directions: Do the indicated task individually. Apply the concepts you gained in your module in doing
this performance task.
1. Take a photo of any parabolic object inside your house.
2. Trace that photo in the rectangular Cartesian plane provided below.
3. Locate the center of the parabolic object and place the center at the origin.
4. Think of a creative design in labeling the parabolic object in rectangular Cartesian plane.
5. Determine the standard form of the equation of the parabolic object and identify its parts.

Solutions and answers:

Cartesian plane

Rubric:
Category Excellent Very Satisfactory Satisfactory Needs Improvement Score
100% of the solutions 80 -99% of the 60-79% of the Below 60% of the
Content- Accuracy
and answers are solutions and answers solutions and answers solutions and answers
(10)
correct. (10) are correct (8) are correct (6) are correct (4)
Output is
Output is attractive in Output is acceptably
Presentation of exceptionally Output is distractingly
terms of design, attractive though it
Output attractive in terms of messy and not
layout and neatness may be a bit messy
(10) design, layout and attractive (4)
(8) (6)
neatness (10)
Work was received on Work was received 1 Work was received 2 Work was received 3
Timeliness (10)
the due date (10) week late (8) weeks late (6) or more weeks late (4)

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