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How to Graph a Parabola Explained

A parabola is a symmetrical curve formed by the intersection of a cone and a plane, characterized by its focus, directrix, and vertex. The standard equations for vertical and horizontal parabolas are y = a(x - h)² + k and x = a(y - k)² + h, respectively, where (h, k) is the vertex. To graph a parabola, identify the vertex, find the axis of symmetry, plot points, and sketch the curve while maintaining symmetry.

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18 views2 pages

How to Graph a Parabola Explained

A parabola is a symmetrical curve formed by the intersection of a cone and a plane, characterized by its focus, directrix, and vertex. The standard equations for vertical and horizontal parabolas are y = a(x - h)² + k and x = a(y - k)² + h, respectively, where (h, k) is the vertex. To graph a parabola, identify the vertex, find the axis of symmetry, plot points, and sketch the curve while maintaining symmetry.

Uploaded by

johnlester.duarte1120
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Understanding Parabolas

A parabola is a conic section formed by the intersection of a cone with a plane parallel to its side. It is a
symmetrical curve where every point is equidistant from a fixed point called the focus and a fixed line
called the directrix.

The Equation of a Parabola

The standard equation of a parabola depends on its orientation.

 Vertical Parabola:

o When the axis of symmetry is parallel to the y-axis, the equation is:

o y = a(x - h)² + k

 Here, (h, k) represents the vertex of the parabola, and a determines the shape
and direction of the opening.

 Horizontal Parabola:

o When the axis of symmetry is parallel to the x-axis, the equation is:

o x = a(y - k)² + h

 Again, (h, k) is the vertex, and a influences the shape and direction.

Key Components of a Parabola

 Vertex: This is the point where the parabola changes direction. It is also the midpoint between
the focus and the directrix.

 Focus: The focus is a fixed point inside the parabola. All points on the parabola are equidistant
from the focus and the directrix.

 Directrix: The directrix is a fixed line outside the parabola. All points on the parabola are
equidistant from the focus and the directrix.

 Axis of Symmetry: This is the line that divides the parabola into two symmetrical halves. It
passes through the vertex.

Graphing a Parabola

1. Identify the vertex: Determine the values of h and k from the equation.

2. Find the axis of symmetry: This is the vertical line x = h for a vertical parabola or the horizontal
line y = k for a horizontal parabola.

3. Plot the vertex and a few points: Choose a few x-values (or y-values for a horizontal parabola)
and calculate the corresponding y-values (or x-values) using the equation. Plot these points.

4. Sketch the parabola: Connect the plotted points with a smooth curve, maintaining the symmetry
around the axis of symmetry.
Example: Let's graph the parabola y = 2(x - 3)² + 1.

 Vertex: (3, 1)

 Axis of symmetry: x = 3

 Plot additional points:

o When x = 2, y = 3

o When x = 4, y = 3

o When x = 1, y = 9

o When x = 5, y = 9

 Sketch the parabola: The parabola opens upward (since a > 0) and is symmetric around the line x
= 3.

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parabola with vertex (3, 1), axis of symmetry x = 3, and points plotted

By understanding these components and the equation of a parabola, you can effectively graph and
analyze various parabolic shapes.

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