Chapter 8: Problem 19
For the following exercises, rewrite the given equation in standard form, and then determine the vertex \((V),\) focus \((F),\) and directrix \((d)\) of the parabola. \((y-4)^{2}=2(x+3)\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
Vertex at (-3, 4), focus at (-2.5, 4), directrix is x = -3.5.
Step by step solution
01
Rewrite in Standard Form
The given equation is \((y-4)^2 = 2(x+3)\). Recognize that this equation is in the form \((y-k)^2 = 4p(x-h)\), where \(h = -3\) and \(k = 4\), with \(4p = 2\). Solve for \(p\) by dividing both sides of the equation by 4, resulting in \(p = \frac{1}{2}\). This gives us the standard form as \((y-4)^2 = 2(x+3)\), which is already set accordingly.
02
Identify the Vertex
The vertex \(V\) of the parabola is given by \( (h, k) \). From the standard form \((y-4)^2 = 2(x+3)\), we have \(h = -3\) and \(k = 4\). Therefore, the vertex \(V\) is at \((-3, 4)\).
03
Find the Focus
The focus \(F\) is found using \(h + p = x\)-coordinate and the same \(k\). Since \(p = \frac{1}{2}\) and the parabola opens rightwards, the focus is \((h+p, k) = (-3 + \frac{1}{2}, 4) = (-2.5, 4)\).
04
Determine the Directrix
The directrix is a vertical line \(x = h - p\). Using \(h = -3\) and \(p = \frac{1}{2}\), the directrix is \(x = -3 - \frac{1}{2} = -3.5\).
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
The vertex of a parabola is a critical point that you must understand, as it serves as the "turning point" for the parabola. This is where the direction of the parabola changes.
For a parabola written in standard form as \[(y-k)^2 = 4p(x-h)\], the vertex is located at the point \[(h, k)\].
In our example, the equation is given as \((y-4)^2 = 2(x+3)\). By recognizing this equation type and comparing it against the standard form, the values of \(h\) and \(k\) become apparent:
Remember:
For a parabola written in standard form as \[(y-k)^2 = 4p(x-h)\], the vertex is located at the point \[(h, k)\].
In our example, the equation is given as \((y-4)^2 = 2(x+3)\). By recognizing this equation type and comparing it against the standard form, the values of \(h\) and \(k\) become apparent:
- \(h = -3\)
- \(k = 4\)
Remember:
- The vertex is an essential feature for sketching the parabola.
- It can indicate whether the parabola opens left/right or up/down depending on the standard equation format used.
Focus
The focus of a parabola is a point located inside the curve itself, and it plays a vital role in defining the shape and position of the parabola. Essentially, it's one of the fixed points that the parabola is "focused" upon.
In standard form \((y-k)^2 = 4p(x-h)\), the focus is located at \((h + p, k)\) when the parabola opens left or right.
Given that in our example the expression is \((y-4)^2 = 2(x+3)\) with \(p\) calculated as \(\frac{1}{2}\), we find the focus as follows:
Key Points about the Focus:
In standard form \((y-k)^2 = 4p(x-h)\), the focus is located at \((h + p, k)\) when the parabola opens left or right.
Given that in our example the expression is \((y-4)^2 = 2(x+3)\) with \(p\) calculated as \(\frac{1}{2}\), we find the focus as follows:
- \(x\)-coordinate: \(-3 + \frac{1}{2} = -2.5\)
- \(y\)-coordinate: \(4\)
Key Points about the Focus:
- The focus helps in understanding the directrix, another critical line associated with a parabola.
- Its position relative to the vertex influences the width and position of the parabola.
Directrix
The directrix of a parabola is a line perpendicular to the axis of symmetry and serves as a reference point for constructing and understanding the parabola. It is just as important as the focus, as it helps in determining the "distance property" unique to parabolas.
For a parabola expressed in the equation \((y-k)^2 = 4p(x-h)\), the directrix can be found using the equation: \(x = h - p\).
Using our current example:
Important Notes about the Directrix:
For a parabola expressed in the equation \((y-k)^2 = 4p(x-h)\), the directrix can be found using the equation: \(x = h - p\).
Using our current example:
- We have \(h = -3\)
- We already calculated \(p = \frac{1}{2}\)
Important Notes about the Directrix:
- The directrix line sits outside the curve of the parabola, contrasting the inner focus.
- Each point on the parabola is equidistant from the focus and the directrix, forming the defining property of a parabola.
Standard Form
The standard form of a parabola involves rewriting the equation of the parabola so that its properties like the vertex, focus, and directrix can be easily identified. The standard forms for a horizontal or vertical parabola help quickly visualize and solve practical and theoretical problems involving parabolas.
For a horizontal parabola, the standard form is: \((y-k)^2 = 4p(x-h)\).
Here's why it's useful:
For a horizontal parabola, the standard form is: \((y-k)^2 = 4p(x-h)\).
Here's why it's useful:
- Easy identification: It allows you to quickly obtain \(h\), \(k\), and \(p\) which are crucial for calculating the vertex, focus, and directrix.
- Organization: Presents the equation in a uniform way, simplifying computation and interpretation.
- \(h = -3\)
- \(k = 4\)
- Since \(4p = 2\), we find \(p = \frac{1}{2}\)