Lesson 2: Parabolas

EPBC 100
Engr. Melissa R. Serrano
Learning Outcomes of the Lesson
At the end of the lesson, the student is able to:
(1) define a parabola;
(2) determine the standard form of equation of a parabola;
(3) graph a parabola in a rectangular coordinate system; and
(4) solve situational problems involving conic sections (parabolas).
Definition and Equation of a Parabola

Let be a given point, and a given line not containing F. The set of all points P such that its distances
from F and from are the same, is called a parabola. The point F is its focus and the line its directrix.
Standard Equation of Parabola
Properties of a Parabola
(1) vertex : origin V (0, 0)
• If the parabola opens upward, the vertex is the lowest point. If
the parabola opens downward, the vertex is the highest point.

(2) directrix : the line y = −c or y = c

• The directrix is c units below or above the vertex.

(3) focus: F(0, c) or F(0,−c)

• The focus is c units above or below the vertex.
• Any point on the parabola has the same distance from the focus
as it has from the directrix.

(4) axis of symmetry: x = 0 (the y-axis)

• This line divides the parabola into two parts which are mirror
images of each other.
EXAMPLES
Determine the focus and directrix of the parabola with the given
equation. Sketch the graph, and indicate the focus, directrix, vertex,
and axis of symmetry.
1.
EXAMPLES
Determine the focus and directrix of the parabola with the given
equation. Sketch the graph, and indicate the focus, directrix, vertex,
and axis of symmetry.
2.