PARABOLA

L E S S O N 3

Precalculus Teacher: Ms. Rinalyn D. Saballe

 Define a parabola

Determine the standard form of equation of a

parabola

Precalculus Lesson 3: Parabola

A parabola is a set of all coplanar points
that are equidistant from a fixed line and a
fixed point not on the fixed line. The fixed
line is called the directrix of the parabola
and the fixed point is called the focus.

Precalculus Lesson 3: Parabola

Axis of symmetry. The line perpendicular to the
directrix and passing through the focus F.
Latus rectum. The chord that passes through the
focus and perpendicular to the axis of symmetry.
Vertex. The point on the parabola midway between
the latus rectum and the directrix.
The vertex is the point where the curve changes
direction

Precalculus Lesson 3: Parabola

STANDARD FORMS OF PARABOLA WITH VERTEX AT (0,0)

Endpoints
Axis of
Equation Focus Directrix of Latus
symmetry
Rectum

x- axis 𝑦 2 = 4𝑝𝑥 (p,0) x= -p (𝑝, ±2𝑝)

2
y-axis 𝑥 = 4𝑝𝑦 (0,p) y= -p (±2𝑝, 𝑝)

Precalculus Lesson 3: Parabola

Let’s focus on the Parabola with vertex at the origin and
vertical axis of symmetry.
Endpoints
Axis of
Equation Focus Directrix of Latus
symmetry
Rectum

y-axis 𝑥 2 = 4𝑝𝑦 (0,p) y= -p (±2𝑝, 𝑝)

Note:
if p>0 , then the parabola opens upward
If p<0, then the parabola opens downward

Precalculus Lesson 3: Parabola

Precalculus Lesson 3: Parabola
 Example: Find the coordinates of the focus and the equation of the
directrix for each parabola. Draw the parabola, its focus, and directrix

2
a. x = 28y
 Example: Find the coordinates of the focus and the equation of the
directrix for each parabola. Draw the parabola, its focus, and directrix

2
b. x − y = 0
2
c. 2𝑥 + 5𝑦 = 0
2
d. 𝑥 = −16𝑦
 STANDARD FORMS OF PARABOLA WITH VERTEX AT (0,0)

Endpoints
Axis of
Equation Focus Directrix of Latus
symmetry
Rectum

x- axis 𝑦 2 = 4𝑝𝑥 (p,0) x= -p (𝑝, ±2𝑝)

Note:
if p>0 , then the parabola opens to the right
If p<0, then the parabola opens to the left

Precalculus Lesson 3: Parabola

Precalculus Lesson 3: Parabola
 Example: Find the coordinates of the focus and the equation of the
directrix for each parabola. Draw the parabola, its focus, and directrix

2
𝑎. 𝑦 = 28𝑥
Example: Find the coordinates of the focus and the equation of the
directrix for each parabola. Draw the parabola, its focus, and
directrix
2
a. y = 20x
2
b. y = −16x
2
c. 𝑦 + 8𝑥 = 0
More Examples: Write the equation of the parabola in standard
form with vertex at the origin that satisfies the given conditions.
Draw the parabola, its focus, and directrix.
a. The focus has coordinates (0,3)
b. The focus has coordinates (-4,0)
c. The equation of the directrix is y-4=0
d. The equation of the directrix is x+5=0
More Examples: Write the equation of the parabola in standard
form with vertex at the origin that satisfies the given conditions.
Draw the parabola, its focus, and directrix.
e. The focus has coordinates (5,0)
f. The equation of the directrix is x-3 =0
g. The length of the latus rectum is 6 and the
parabola opens upward.
h.The parabola contains the point (2,-6) and
opens downward.
END OF DISCUSSION
H AV E A G R E AT D AY A H E A D : )