Chapter 8: Problem 39
For the following exercises, graph the parabola, labeling the focus and the directrix $$ x^{2}+8 x+4 y+20=0 $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
Graph the parabola with vertex at (-4,-1), focus at (-4,-2), and directrix at y=0.
Step by step solution
01
Write the equation in standard form
The given equation is \( x^2 + 8x + 4y + 20 = 0 \). First, let's rewrite it in the standard form of a parabola, which is \( (x-h)^2 = 4p(y-k) \). Begin by isolating the terms involving \( x \). We do this by subtracting 20 from both sides and then subtracting \( 4y \) from both sides, leading to: \[ x^2 + 8x = -4y - 20 \] .
02
Complete the square
For the expression \( x^2 + 8x \), complete the square. Take half of the linear coefficient of \( x \), which is 4, and square it: \( 4^2 = 16 \). Add and subtract 16 inside the equation: \[ x^2 + 8x + 16 = -4y - 20 + 16 \] This simplifies to: \[ (x + 4)^2 = -4y - 4 \].
03
Solve for y
Simplify the equation you have from the previous step: \[ (x + 4)^2 = -4(y + 1) \]Thus, the equation of the parabola is in vertex form \( (x - h)^2 = 4p(y - k) \) where \( h = -4 \), \( k = -1 \) and \( 4p = -4 \). Therefore, \( p = -1 \).
04
Identify the vertex, focus, and directrix
In the vertex form \( (x - h)^2 = 4p(y - k) \), our parabola's vertex is \( (h, k) = (-4, -1) \). The focus is \((h, k + p) = (-4, -2)\) because \( p = -1 \). The directrix is the line \( y = k - p \), which is \( y = 0 \).
05
Graph the parabola, focus, and directrix
To graph the parabola, plot the vertex at \((-4, -1)\) and sketch the parabola opening downwards because \( p = -1 \) (a negative value). Position the focus at \((-4, -2)\), just below the vertex and draw the directrix as the horizontal line \( y = 0 \), above the vertex. Ensure the parabola is symmetric with respect to the vertex.
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Vertex Form
The vertex form of a parabola helps us understand the shape and position of the parabola on a graph. It's a way of expressing the equation that highlights the vertex of the parabola, which is a critical point. The vertex form is given by the equation:
\[ (x - h)^2 = 4p(y - k) \]
In this equation:
\[ (x - h)^2 = 4p(y - k) \]
In this equation:
- \( (h, k) \) represents the vertex of the parabola. It's where the parabola changes direction.
- \( p \) is a parameter that affects the "width" and "direction" of the parabola's opening.
- The sign of \( p \) tells us which way the parabola opens: positive for up, negative for down.
Focus and Directrix
Every parabola has an associated point called the "focus" and a line called the "directrix". These geometric attributes help define the parabola in precise mathematical terms.
- The focus is a point situated along the axis of symmetry of the parabola. For the parabola \((x - h)^2 = 4p(y - k)\), the focus is located at \((h, k + p)\).
- The directrix is a line perpendicular to the axis of symmetry and is placed "opposite" of the focus relative to the vertex. Its equation is \(y = k - p\).
Completing the Square
Completing the square is a method used to transform a quadratic equation into a more useful form, typically the vertex form for parabolas. This technique simplifies finding the vertex and rewriting the equation.
To complete the square:
To complete the square:
- Start with a quadratic expression such as \(x^2 + bx\).
- Take half of the coefficient of \(x\), then square it. For instance, if the coefficient is 8, half is 4, and its square is 16.
- Add and subtract this square within the equation to maintain balance.