Chapter 9: Problem 14
Find the equation of the parabola defined by the given information. Sketch the parabola. Vertex: (2,3)\(;\) directrix: \(x=4\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The equation is \((y - 3)^2 = 8(x - 2)\). The parabola opens to the left.
Step by step solution
01
Identify Parabola Characteristics
The vertex of the parabola is given as the point \((2, 3)\). The directrix is a vertical line given by \(x = 4\). Since the directrix is vertical, the parabola opens horizontally.
02
Determine the Direction and Equation Form
The parabola opens to the left because the directrix \(x = 4\) is to the right of the vertex \((2, 3)\). The standard form of a horizontally opening parabola is:\[(y - k)^2 = -4p(x - h)\]Here, \((h, k)\) is the vertex of the parabola, and \(p\) is the distance from the vertex to the directrix.
03
Calculate the Distance 'p'
The distance from the vertex to the directrix \(x = 4\) is 2 units because the vertex is at \(x = 2\). If the parabola opens to the left, \(p\) is negative. Thus, \(p = -2\).
04
Substitute Values into the Standard Form
Substitute \((h, k) = (2, 3)\) and \(p = -2\) into the equation for a horizontal parabola:\[(y - 3)^2 = -4(-2)(x - 2)\] Simplify this to get the equation of the parabola:\[(y - 3)^2 = 8(x - 2)\]
05
Verify and Sketch the Parabola
The parabola has its vertex at (2,3), opens to the left, and its directrix is the line \(x = 4\). Use these characteristics to sketch the parabola. The axis of symmetry is horizontal and passes through \(y = 3\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Vertex of a Parabola
Understanding the vertex of a parabola is crucial as it is essentially the starting point. The vertex is the peak point or the lowest point of a parabola depending on the direction it opens. In this context, it acts as a reference point to determine the shape and position of the parabola on the graph.
- For our exercise, the vertex is at the point \(2, 3\), which is pivotal in forming the parabola equation.
- It serves as the \((h, k)\) in the parabola's standard form equation, specifically, \((h, k) = (2, 3)\).
- Knowing the vertex helps in sketching the parabola accurately on a graph.
Directrix of a Parabola
The directrix is an important component in defining a parabola. It is a line that, together with the focus, helps form the parabola's shape. In simple terms, a parabola is a set of points equidistant from a fixed point, the focus, and a line, the directrix.
- In this exercise, the directrix is given as the equation \(x = 4\).
- It lies vertically, indicating that our parabola opens in the horizontal direction.
- The directrix is always perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of the parabola.
Horizontal Parabola Standard Form
The standard form of the parabola varies depending on its opening direction. For a horizontally oriented parabola, the standard form is \[(y - k)^2 = 4p(x - h)\]. Here, \((h, k)\) is the vertex and \(p\) is the distance from the vertex to the focus or directrix.
- For our specific parabola exercise, \((h, k) = (2, 3)\), and \(p = -2\).
- The negative \(p\) value indicates the parabola opens to the left.
- Plugging the values into the equation, we formed \((y - 3)^2 = 8(x - 2)\).
- This equation helps in accurately sketching and verifying the parabola's position and direction.