EQUATIONS OF A PARABOLA
ARABOLA
In general, if the directrix is
parallel to the y-axis in the
standard equation of a parabola is
given as: 𝒚 𝟐 = 𝟒𝒂𝒙
If the parabola is sideways for
example, the directrix is parallel to
x-axis, the standard equation of a
parabola becomes, 𝒙 𝟐 = 𝟒𝒂𝒚
Apart from these two, the
equation of a parabola can also be
𝒚 2 = −𝟒𝒂𝒙 and 𝒙 2 = −𝟒𝒂𝒚 if the
parabola is in the negative
quadrants. Thus, the four equations
of a parabola are given as:
𝒚 = 𝒂(𝒙 − 𝒉) 𝟐 + 𝒌
VERTEX FORM 𝒙 = 𝒂(𝒚 − 𝒌) 𝟐 + h
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN
P PARABOLA AND HYPERBOLA:
- A set of points in a plane that are equally
When a right circular cone is divided along a
spaced from a directrix or focus and a
plane parallel to the cone's slant or straight line are referred to as parabolas.
generator, a parabola is created. A moving - A parabola has a directrix and a single
point in a plane has a locus where its focus. - Eccentricity, e = 1
distance from a fixed point is equal to its - Regardless of size, all parabolas should
distance from a fixed line that does not have the same shape.
contain the fixed point - A parabola should have two arms that
are parallel to one another.
- There are no asymptotes.
PROPERTIES OF A PARABOLA PARTS OF A PARABOLA
- Any parabola's eccentricity is 1.
- Along its axis, the parabola is symmetric.
- The directrix and the axis are parallel.
- The focus and the vertex are on the axis.
- The directrix and the tangent at the
vertex are parallel.
- The vertex is where the directrix and axis
intersect, in the middle of the focus.
- Any point on the directrix has a tangent
drawn to it that is perpendicular.
 ✓ 𝒙 𝟐 = 𝟒𝒂𝒚 RELEVANCE OF A
✓ 𝒙 𝟐 = −𝟒𝒂𝒚
✓ 𝒚 𝟐 = 𝟒𝒂𝒙 PARABOLA
EQUATIONS OF A PARABOLA ✓ 𝒚 𝟐 = −𝟒𝒂x
-Parabolas are not only found in textbooks and
classrooms, but also in the real world. This shape may
be observed in rollercoasters, brand logos, bridges,
and other types of structures.
Learning parabolas are essential as it helps us
understand the reasons why something happens,
create strong bridges, buildings, and structures, find
answers to questions specifically on predicting the

STANDARD FORM
landing area of projectiles, and unlock the secrets of
𝒚 = 𝒂𝒙 𝟐 + 𝒃𝒙 + e

acoustics or sound generation and heat or energy

generation.
Furthermore, this concept is the basis for the
paraboloid, which is the 3D version of a parabola.
This special shape based on the parabola is the
foundation for the technology behind today’s
necessities such as optical light telescopes, internet
access, car headlamps, satellite televisions, concave
mirrors, dish antennas, and more.
As students and the hope of tomorrow, gaining
knowledge on the parabola can aid us in creating
new innovations or inventions that can make our
lives more comfortable and efficient in the future,
make discoveries, and find relations to already-
known scientific concepts.