Chapter 13: Problem 1
For Problems \(1-30\), find the vertex, focus, and directrix of the given parabola and sketch its graph. $$ y^{2}=8 x $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The vertex is \((0, 0)\), the focus is \((2, 0)\), and the directrix is \(x = -2\).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Parabola Form
The given equation is \(y^2 = 8x\). This can be compared with the standard form of a parabola \(y^2 = 4px\) where the parabola opens to the right or left. From here, we can identify that \(4p = 8\), so \(p = 2\).
02
Determine the Vertex
The vertex form of the parabola \(y^2 = 8x\) is \((y - k)^2 = 4p(x - h)\), where \((h, k)\) is the vertex. Since there are no values subtracted from \(x\) or \(y\), the vertex is at the origin: \((0, 0)\).
03
Find the Focus
The focus of a parabola \((y-k)^2 = 4p(x-h)\) is \((h+p, k)\). Using our parabola, this gives: \((0+2, 0) = (2, 0)\). Therefore, the focus is at \((2, 0)\).
04
Identify the Directrix
The directrix of a parabola \((y - k)^2 = 4p(x - h)\) is \(x = h - p\). For our parabola, this becomes \(x = 0 - 2 = -2\). So, the directrix is the line \(x = -2\).
05
Sketch the Graph
To sketch the graph, plot the vertex at \((0, 0)\), the focus at \((2, 0)\), and draw the directrix as a vertical line at \(x = -2\). The parabola will open to the right, with the vertex as the starting point.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Vertex
The vertex is an essential part of understanding the geometry of a parabola. It is the point where the parabola changes direction, and in many cases, it represents the maximum or minimum value of the parabola. In the given equation, \( y^2 = 8x \), the vertex is located at the origin, \((0, 0)\). This is because the equation is already in a simplified form where there is nothing subtracted from \( x \) or \( y \). This tells us that the parabola is symmetric about this point.
- The vertex is a fixed point from which the parabola curves away.
- It serves as a reference for plotting both the focus and the directrix.
Focus
The focus is a special point on the interior of a parabola that plays a vital role in its construction. All points on the parabola are equidistant to the focus and a corresponding point on the directrix. For the equation \( y^2 = 8x \), we determined that \( p = 2 \), meaning the distance from the vertex to the focus is 2 units in the direction in which the parabola opens.
- The focus can be thought of as a guiding point, influencing the shape of the parabola.
- For a parabola opening to the right, the focus is located to the right of the vertex.
Directrix
The directrix is a fixed line used in tandem with the focus to define and describe parabolas geometrically. It is perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of the parabola and provides a constant distance relationship with all points on the parabola. In our example, the directrix is given by the equation \( x = -2 \).
- The directrix serves as a reference line for measuring the distance from points on the parabola.
- It is always located on the opposite side of the vertex from the focus.
Graph of a Parabola
Graphing a parabola involves plotting not just the curve itself, but also indicating the key geometric components, such as the vertex, focus, and directrix. With the information derived from the equation \( y^2 = 8x \), we can sketch a comprehensive graph:- Begin by marking the vertex at \((0, 0)\).- Next, plot the focus at \((2, 0)\).- Draw the directrix as a vertical line at \( x = -2 \).The graph of this parabola opens to the right, meaning it curves away from the vertex in the direction of the focus.
- The vertex serves as the anchor point for the parabola.
- The placement of both the focus and directrix facilitates a symmetrical graph around the axis perpendicular to the direction of opening.