1. Table of Contents Parabola - Finding the Equation Recall that the equations for a parabola are given by... Vertical Axis of SymmetryHorizontal Axis of Symmetry

2. Table of Contents Slide 2 Parabola - Finding the Equation Summary of meanings of the constants: The vertex is at V(h, k). and is the midpoint of the line segment joining the focus and the vertex. When the squared term is in x, the axis of symmetry is vertical, and the parabola is facing up or down. If p is positive, then up. If p is negative, then down. When the squared term is in y, the axis of symmetry is horizontal, and the parabola is facing left or right. If p is positive, then right. If p is negative, then left.

3. Table of Contents Slide 3 Parabola - Finding the Equation Example 1: Find the equation of the parabola with focus F(-3, -2) and directrix y = 6. Plot the focus point and draw the line for the directrix... The focus is 8 units from the directrix, half of which is 4 units. Thus, the vertex is at V(-3, 2).

4. Table of Contents Slide 4 Parabola - Finding the Equation Since a parabola faces towards the focus and away from the directrix, this parabola is facing down, and the equation is... The value of p is - 4... Substituting values yields...

5. Table of Contents Slide 5 Parabola - Finding the Equation Example 2: Find the standard form of the parabola given by... Solution:

6. Table of Contents Slide 6 Parabola - Finding the Equation The standard form of the parabola is...

7. Table of Contents Parabola - Finding the Equation