Parabolas

Parabola: the set of points in a

plane that are the same distance
from a given point called the
focus and a given line called the
directrix.

Notice that the axis of

symmetry is the line
through the focus,
perpendicular to the
directrix
 Parabolas
Standard Equations
If the x-term is squared, the
(y-k)=a(x-h)2 parabola opens vertically
(x-h)=a(y-k)2
If the y-term is squared, the
OR (x-h)2 = 4p(y-k) and (y-k)2 = 4p(x-h)
parabola opens
horizontally
Note: 4p and “a’ have the same value . Focus on what’s given, what’s asked.
depending on make up of question!

h = x-coordinate of the vertex

k = y-coordinate of the vertex
(h,k) = vertex (opposites)
p = 1/4a distance from the vertex to the focus (sign indicates direction)
-p = distance from the vertex to the directrix
|4p| = distance across the parabola through the focus
 Let’s make sure you’ve got it!
What relationship does the vertex have
with the focus and directrix?

The vertex is the midpoint between the

focus and the directrix.
What number represents this distance?

“p” is always the distance from the focus to

the vertex, or the distance from the vertex
to the directrix.
 What happens when the “p” value
changes?
• The measured distance changes..(if +, distance
is from the vertex to the focus, if -, the
distance measured from the focus to the
directrix)
 CHECK POINT
Equation Vertex P= Opens Squared Horizontal
1/4a variable or
• ? Vertical?

(x+4)=16(y-3) 2

y=1/4 (x+6) 2

(x+1)=-6 (y+10) 2

y=3/4 (X-9) 2
 Standard Equation of a Parabola: (Vertex at (h, k) )
Equation Focus Directrix
2
(x – h) = 4p(y - k) (h, k + p) y=k–p
(If the x term is squared, the parabola
is up or down)
Equation Focus Directrix
2
(y - k) = 4p(x – h) (h + p, k) x=h–p

(If the y term is squared, the parabola is

left or right)
 Summary…

• Opens Up / Down • Opens Right / Left

•
2
(x – h) = 4p(y - k) • (y - k)2 = 4p(x – h)
• p pos up • p pos  right
• p neg down • p neg  left
• Vertex: V (h , k) • Vertex: V (h, k)
• Axis: x = h • Axis: y = k
• Focus: F(h , k + p) • Focus: F (h + p, k)
• Directrix: y = k – p • Directrix: x = h – p
 Using your notes
find the important information and graph
(y-3) 2 = -12 (x+2)
“p, h, k, direction of the parabola, Vertex,
focus, directrix, axis of symmetry”
 p= -3 ; h=-2; k=3
 Vertical (opens left)
 Vertex (-2,3)
 Focus (-5,3)
 Directrix(x=h-p) ; x=1
 Axis of Symmetry y = 3
 Quick Graphs

1.Determine the orientation

2.Find and Plot Vertex
3.Find p and plot the focus
4.Graph the directrix
5.Find 4p and find each point (2p) from the
focus. ( This creates 2 additional points on the
parabola through the focus).
 Graphing Parabolas
• http://cms.gavirtualschool.org/Shared/Math/
GSEPrecalculus/Conics/GSEPrecalculus_Conics
_Shared3.html
Ex1 given focus (2,4) and directrix x=-4
• New vocabulary – Lotus rectum ( 4p) is the
total distance across parabola through the
focus. Find 4p and find each point (2p) from
the focus in both directions
 (x-h)2 = 4p(y-k) 1. Determine the direction
(y-k)2 = 4p(x-h) 2. Find and Plot Vertex
3. Find p and plot the focus
4. Graph the directrix
5. Find 4p and find each
point (2p) from the focus in
both directions.

Example
8(x+7) = (y-2)2

Direction
Y is squared (left/right)
4p is positive (up/right)

Vertex Find p
(-7, 2) 4p = 8
p=2
Focus is 2 to the right
Directrix: -7 -2 =-9
Directrix is 2 left
x = h – p = -9
You try!
 Writing Equations
1. Know the standard form of the equation

2. Often it helps if you sketch the curve described

3. Find any critical values needed for the equation

4. Plug those into the equation

 Example 1
Write the equation of
the parabola

Vertex: (-2, 4)

Opens: down
So, x is squared

P: down 4; p= -4

ANSWER
(x-h) p k
h 2=4p(y-k)
(x +2)2= – 16(y– 4 )
 Examples
Write the equation of the parabola with the following
characteristics.

2. Vertex (4, -2) and focus (4, 7)

3. Vertex (5, -4) and directrix x = 8

4. Focus (-2, 4) and directrix y = 1

5. Vertex (3,1) opens vertically passing through (5, 9)

When will this math ever been used?
 A satellite dish is an
ideal example of a
parabola.
 Why would this
shape allow the
satellite to recieve
the maximum
signal?
Can you think of other ways parabolas
are used in everyday items?
Everyday importance of parabolas.

 Arched bridges are

designed for
stability.

 Why is this
important?
Suspension bridges
depend on
parabolically curved
cables to support the
weight of the road
bed of the bridge.

The weight of the

bridge is evenly
distributed among
the support cables
which run parallel to
the axis of symmetry,
The Golden Gate bridge is a
similar to the paths
suspension bridge in San Francisco,
of rays reflected off
California. The towers are 1280
the surface of
meters apart and rise 160 meters
parabolic reflectors.
above the road.
Fun parabola sitings!