Parabola Basics

Parabola Basics
Introduction to Parabolas
A parabola is a U-shaped curve that is a fundamental concept in alg
ebra and geometry. It is one of the four types of conic sections, forme
d by the intersection of a plane and a cone. Understanding parabolas
is essential for graphing quadratic functions and for various applicati
ons in science, engineering, and technology. This document covers th
e definition of a parabola, its key features, its standard and vertex for
m equations, and its real-world applications.

Geometric Definition
A parabola is the set of all points in a plane that are equidistant from
a fixed point and a fixed line.
The fixed point is called the focus.
The fixed line is called the directrix.
Every point on the parabola is the same distance from the focus as it i
s from the directrix.

Key Features of a Parabola

Every parabola has a set of key features that define its shape and pos
ition on a graph.
Vertex: The vertex is the point where the parabola makes its sharpes
t turn. It is the minimum point on a parabola that opens upwards an
d the maximum point on a parabola that opens downwards.
Axis of Symmetry: This is a line that passes through the vertex and d
ivides the parabola into two symmetrical halves. The parabola is a
mirror image of itself across this line.
Focus: The focus is a point located on the interior of the parabola on
the axis of symmetry. The parabola "wraps" around the focus.
Directrix: The directrix is a line perpendicular to the axis of symmetr
y. It is located outside the parabola. The distance from the vertex to t
he focus is the same as the distance from the vertex to the directrix.

Equations of a Parabola
Parabolas can be described by quadratic equations. There are two pri
mary forms for these equations: standard form and vertex form.
Standard Form
The standard form of a quadratic equation gives us information abou
t the parabola's orientation and y-intercept.
Vertical Parabola: The equation is $y = ax^2 + bx + c$.
If a > 0, the parabola opens upwards.
If a < 0, the parabola opens downwards.
The vertex's x-coordinate can be found using the formula $x = -\fr
ac{b}{2a}$.
The y-intercept is at the point $(0, c)$.
Horizontal Parabola: The equation is $x = ay^2 + by + c$.
If a > 0, the parabola opens to the right.
If a < 0, the parabola opens to the left.
The vertex's y-coordinate can be found using the formula $y = -\fr
ac{b}{2a}$.
Vertex Form
The vertex form is often more useful for graphing as it directly provide
s the coordinates of the vertex.
Vertical Parabola: The equation is $y = a(x-h)^2 + k$.
The vertex is at the point $(h, k)$.
The axis of symmetry is the vertical line $x = h$.
If a > 0, the parabola opens upwards.
If a < 0, the parabola opens downwards.
Horizontal Parabola: The equation is $x = a(y-k)^2 + h$.
The vertex is at the point $(h, k)$.
The axis of symmetry is the horizontal line $y = k$.
If a > 0, the parabola opens to the right.
If a < 0, the parabola opens to the left.
The parameter a also determines the "width" of the parabola. A larger
absolute value of a results in a narrower parabola, while a smaller abs
olute value (closer to 0) results in a wider parabola.
Finding the Focus and Directrix
The focus and directrix can be determined from the vertex form using
a value p, which represents the distance from the vertex to the focus
(and from the vertex to the directrix). The relationship between a and
p is given by the formula:
$a = \frac{1}{4p}$ or, rearranged, $p = \frac{1}{4a}$
The following table summarizes the properties of parabolas based on
their vertex form equation.
 Vertical Parabola: $y = Horizontal Parabola: $x =
Feature
a(x-h)^2 + k$ a(y-k)^2 + h$

Vertex $(h, k)$ $(h, k)$

Axis of Sym
$x = h$ $y = k$
metry

Up if $a>0$, Down if $a<0

Opens Right if $a>0$, Left if $a<0$
$

Focus $(h, k+p)$ $(h+p, k)$

Directrix $y = k-p$ $x = h-p$

p value $p = \frac{1}{4a}$ $p = \frac{1}{4a}$

Example
Let's analyze the parabola given by the equation $y = 2(x-3)^2 + 1$.
1. Form: This is the vertex form of a vertical parabola, $y = a(x-h)^2 + k
$.
2. Identify parameters: $a=2$, $h=3$, $k=1$.
3. Vertex: The vertex $(h, k)$ is $(3, 1)$.
4. Direction: Since $a=2$ (which is > 0), the parabola opens upwards.
5. Axis of Symmetry: The axis of symmetry is the line $x=h$, which is $x
=3$.
6. Focus and Directrix:
First, find p: $p = \frac{1}{4a} = \frac{1}{4(2)} = \frac{1}{8}$.
The focus is at $(h, k+p)$, which is $(3, 1 + \frac{1}{8})$, or $(3, \fra
c{9}{8})$.
The directrix is the line $y = k-p$, which is $y = 1 - \frac{1}{8}$, or
$y = \frac{7}{8}$.

Real-World Applications
Parabolas are not just abstract mathematical concepts; they appear
frequently in the world around us.
Satellite Dishes: The parabolic shape of a satellite dish is used to col
lect and focus incoming signals from a satellite onto a receiver (the
focus).
Car Headlights & Flashlights: A light bulb is placed at the focus of a
parabolic reflector. The light rays bounce off the reflector and emerg
 e as a parallel beam, illuminating the path ahead.
Projectile Motion: The path of an object thrown into the air, such as
a ball or a javelin, follows a parabolic trajectory under the influence
of gravity.
Architecture and Bridges: Parabolic arches are used in bridges and
architecture for their strength and aesthetic appeal. The shape help
s to distribute weight and stress evenly.

Summary
This document provided an introduction to parabolas. The key takeaw
ays are:
A parabola is the set of points equidistant from a focus and a direct
rix.
Key features include the vertex, axis of symmetry, focus, and direct
rix.
The standard form ($y = ax^2 + bx + c$) and vertex form ($y = a(x-
h)^2 + k$) are the two main ways to write the equation of a parabol
a.
The vertex form directly gives the vertex $(h, k)$ and the axis of sym
metry.
The sign of the parameter a determines the direction the parabola o
pens, and its value is related to the location of the focus and directri
x.
Parabolas have numerous important applications in technology, ph
ysics, and engineering.