Table of contents
- 0. Review of Algebra4h 16m
- 1. Equations & Inequalities3h 18m
- 2. Graphs of Equations43m
- 3. Functions2h 17m
- 4. Polynomial Functions1h 44m
- 5. Rational Functions1h 23m
- 6. Exponential & Logarithmic Functions2h 28m
- 7. Systems of Equations & Matrices4h 6m
- 8. Conic Sections2h 23m
- 9. Sequences, Series, & Induction1h 19m
- 10. Combinatorics & Probability1h 45m
8. Conic Sections
Parabolas
3:57 minutes
Textbook Question
Textbook QuestionFind the vertex, focus, and directrix of the parabola with the given equation. Then graph the parabola. (y-2)^2 = -16x
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Parabola Definition
A parabola is a symmetric curve formed by the intersection of a cone with a plane parallel to its side. It can be represented by a quadratic equation in the form of (y-k)² = 4p(x-h), where (h, k) is the vertex, p is the distance from the vertex to the focus, and the direction of the opening is determined by the sign of p.
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Horizontal Parabolas
Vertex, Focus, and Directrix
The vertex of a parabola is the point where it changes direction, while the focus is a fixed point inside the parabola that determines its shape. The directrix is a line perpendicular to the axis of symmetry, equidistant from the vertex as the focus. For the equation (y-2)² = -16x, the vertex is at (0, 2), the focus is at (-4, 2), and the directrix is the line x = 4.
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Vertex Form
Graphing a Parabola
Graphing a parabola involves plotting its vertex, focus, and directrix, and then sketching the curve that opens towards the focus. The orientation of the parabola (upward, downward, left, or right) is determined by the equation's structure. In this case, since the equation has a negative coefficient, the parabola opens to the left, and the graph can be sketched by marking key points and using symmetry.
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Horizontal Parabolas
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