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Ch. 7 - Conic Sections
Chapter 8, Problem 5

In Exercises 5–16, find the focus and directrix of the parabola with the given equation. Then graph the parabola. y^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 y^2 = 4px or x = 4py, where p is the distance from the vertex to the focus and the directrix. Understanding this definition is crucial for identifying the properties of the parabola given in the equation.
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Focus and Directrix

The focus of a parabola is a fixed point located at a distance p from the vertex along the axis of symmetry, while the directrix is a line perpendicular to this axis, also at a distance p from the vertex but in the opposite direction. For the equation y^2 = 16x, the focus and directrix can be determined by identifying the value of p, which is derived from the equation's standard form.
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Graphing Parabolas

Graphing a parabola involves plotting its vertex, focus, and directrix, as well as determining its orientation (opening direction). The equation y^2 = 16x indicates that the parabola opens to the right, and knowing how to sketch it accurately requires understanding the relationship between the vertex, focus, and directrix, as well as the general shape of parabolas.
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