Chapter 8: Problem 7
For the following exercises, determine which conic section is represented based on the given equation. $$x^{2}-10 x+4 y-10=0$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The conic section is a vertical parabola.
Step by step solution
01
Rewrite the Equation
The given equation is \(x^2 - 10x + 4y - 10 = 0\). We should start by rearranging the terms to make it easier to identify the conic section. Let's group \(x\)-terms and \(y\)-terms: \(x^2 - 10x = -4y + 10\).
02
Complete the Square for x
We need to complete the square for the \(x\) terms. Take the coefficient of \(x\), which is -10, divide by 2 to get -5, and then square it to get 25. Add and subtract 25 inside the equation: \((x^2 - 10x + 25) = -4y + 10 + 25\). Thus, \((x-5)^2 = -4y + 35\).
03
Rearrange to Standard Form
Rewrite the equation into the standard form. We have \((x-5)^2 = -4(y - \frac{35}{4})\). Observe this form closely; it resembles the standard form of a parabola \((x-h)^2 = 4p(y-k)\), where vertex is \((h, k)\).
04
Identify the Conic Section
Since the equation now fits the form \((x-h)^2 = 4p(y-k)\), it is a vertical parabola. This is because there is only one squared term \(x^2\), and it matches the pattern for a parabola.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Parabola
A parabola is a specific type of conic section that you can identify by its unique shape. It only has one squared variable in its equation.
A key feature of the parabola is its symmetry; if you were to fold it in half along its axis, both sides would match perfectly.
A key feature of the parabola is its symmetry; if you were to fold it in half along its axis, both sides would match perfectly.
- The basic shape of a parabola can be visualized like a U or an upside-down U.
- The point where the parabola makes its sharpest turn is called the vertex.
- It has an axis of symmetry, which is a vertical line that runs through the vertex.
Completing the Square
Completing the square is a useful technique for rewriting quadratic expressions. It helps in transforming standard quadratic equations to reveal important features like vertex easily.
This method works by turning a trinomial into a perfect square trinomial.
Here's how you can complete the square step-by-step:
This method works by turning a trinomial into a perfect square trinomial.
Here's how you can complete the square step-by-step:
- Start with an equation in the form of \(ax^2 + bx + c\).
- Focus on the \(x\) terms: take the coefficient of \(x\), divide it by 2, and square the result.
- Add and subtract this square to the equation.
- Rewrite the trinomial as a binomial squared \((x+d)^2\).
Standard Form of a Parabola
The standard form of a parabola helps in quickly identifying and studying its properties. In coordinates, the standard form for a vertical parabola is given by \((x-h)^2 = 4p(y-k)\).
For a horizontal one, it is \((y-k)^2 = 4p(x-h)\).
In these forms, here's what each symbol means:
For a horizontal one, it is \((y-k)^2 = 4p(x-h)\).
In these forms, here's what each symbol means:
- \(h, k\): These are the coordinates of the vertex, which is the turning point of the parabola.
- \(p\): This value determines how "steep" or "wide" the parabola is. It represents the distance from the vertex to the focus.
- The value of \(k\) changes how the graph moves up and down (for vertical parabolas) or side to side (for horizontal parabolas).