Chapter 13: Problem 39
For Problems \(31-50\), find an equation of the parabola that satisfies the given conditions. $$ \text { Focus }(-4,5) \text {, directrix } x=0 \quad y^{2}-10 y+8 x+41=0 $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The equation of the parabola is \((y - 5)^2 = -8(x + 2)\).
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Given Information
The problem provides the focus of the parabola at \((-4,5)\) and the directrix as \(x = 0\). We are also given the equation \(y^2 - 10y + 8x + 41 = 0\), which we need to rearrange or transform into the standard form of a parabola.
02
Determine the Type of Parabola
Given the directrix \(x = 0\), which is a vertical line, and the focus \((-4,5)\), we are dealing with a parabola that opens sideways. Parabolas that open sideways have equations in the form \((y - k)^2 = 4p(x - h)\).
03
Calculate the Vertex
For a parabola with a horizontal axis, the vertex \((h, k)\) is the midpoint between the focus and a point on the directrix. Here, the midpoint between the focus at \((-4,5)\) and a point at \((0,5)\) on the directrix is \((-2,5)\), so the vertex is \((-2,5)\).
04
Determine the "p" Value
The distance between the focus and the vertex is \(p\). Since the focus is at \((-4,5)\) and the vertex at \((-2,5)\), \(p = -2\). (The negative sign indicates that the parabola opens to the left.)
05
Write the Equation of the Parabola
Using the vertex at \((-2,5)\) and \(p = -2\), substitute into the standard form equation: \((y - 5)^2 = 4(-2)(x + 2)\)which simplifies to \((y - 5)^2 = -8(x + 2)\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Vertex of a Parabola
The vertex of a parabola is a significant point that acts as a peak or a valley of the parabola shape, depending on its orientation. In this case, it is the point
- directly between the focus and the directrix
- where the parabola changes direction
Focus and Directrix
A parabola is uniquely determined by a fixed point known as the focus, and a line called the directrix. The focus is a point from which distances are measured in forming a parabolic curve, and the directrix is a line used for these measurements too.
- The distance from any point on the parabola to the focus is equal to the distance from the same point to the directrix.
- The directrix stretch across the parabola, providing a referral line for constructing the shape.
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In the given problem, the focus is located at (-4, 5), while the directrix is represented by the line x = 0.
Understanding the position of focus and directrix helps identify the parabola's orientation, which is crucial for forming its equation.
Standard Form of a Parabola
The standard form of a parabolic equation presents the structure through which properties like the vertex and axis of symmetry can be easily identified. This equation can have different forms depending on the parabola's orientation.
- For a parabola opening sideways, the standard form is i n the focus to the vertex is determined based on this standard setup.
- If the parabola opens upwards or downwards, the form becomes
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Given the problem, we adopted the form
ing sideways. It reflects the nature of the parabola wherein the squares term involves the y variable, depicting left-right opening.
Horizontal Axis of Symmetry
The axis of symmetry is a line that divides the parabola into two mirror-image halves and controls the axis around which the parabola balances. For parabolas that open horizontally, this line runs parallel to the x-axis.
- The axis of symmetry occurs through the vertex, setting the middle of the structure.
- This remark reflects how uniformly the shape stretches on either side, either to the left or right.
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In our problem, the horizontal axis of symmetry is the line where all calculations align,
Because the parabola opens in a direction perpendicular to this axis, comprehending the position and influence of this symmetry line helps anticipate the overall geometry of the parabola.