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
Vertex: (-4, -1), Focus: (-4, -2), Directrix: y = 0.
Step by step solution
01
Convert to Standard Form
The given equation is \(x^2 + 8x + 4y + 20 = 0\). First, isolate the \(y\)-terms by moving them to one side: \(x^2 + 8x + 20 = -4y\). This rearranges to \(x^2 + 8x = -4y - 20\) which will help us when completing the square to convert into standard form.
02
Complete the Square
To complete the square for the \(x\)-terms, take half of the coefficient of \(x\), square it, and add/subtract that inside the equation. Coefficient is 8, half is 4, square is 16: \((x^2 + 8x + 16) - 16 = -4y - 20\). Simplifying: \((x + 4)^2 - 16 = -4y - 20\). Thus, we have \((x + 4)^2 = -4y - 4\).
03
Refactor into Vertex Form
The equation now is in standard form: \((x + 4)^2 = -4(y + 1)\). Here, the vertex form \((x-h)^2 = 4p(y-k)\) indicates the vertex \((h, k)\) is \((-4, -1)\) and \(4p = -4\), so \(p = -1\).
04
Determine Focus and Directrix
For the parabola \((x-h)^2 = 4p(y-k)\), the focus is given by \((h, k + p)\) and the directrix is \(y = k - p\). Thus, focus is \((-4, -2)\) and directrix is \(y = 0\).
05
Sketch the Graph
Using the vertex \((-4, -1)\), focus \((-4, -2)\), and directrix \(y = 0\), plot the parabola. The vertex lies directly halfway between the focus and directrix, indicating that the parabola opens downwards.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Focus of Parabola
The focus of a parabola is a specific point where all points on the parabola are equidistant from the directrix and follow the reflective property of parabolas. It serves as a guide point from which you can draw the curve of the parabola. In the equation
- \((x-h)^2 = 4p(y-k)\)
- \((h, k)\)
- \((h, k+p)\)
- \((-4, -2)\)
Directrix of Parabola
The directrix of a parabola is a straight line that, alongside the focus, helps define and direct the shape of the parabola. In essence, each point on a parabola is equally distant from both the focus and this directrix line. For a vertical parabola, the directrix can be expressed as the equation:
- \(y = k - p\)
- \((-4, -1)\)
- \(y = 0\)
Completing the Square
Completing the square is a powerful algebraic technique for converting quadratic equations into a more revealing form that highlights the essential features of a parabola: its vertex and its axis of symmetry. The process involves transforming a quadratic expression into the square of a binomial:
- For example, take an equation like \(x^2 + 8x\)
- The half of 8 is 4, and its square is 16
- \((x + 4)^2 - 16\)
Vertex Form of Parabola
The vertex form of a parabola is particularly useful for quickly identifying the vertex of the parabola, which serves as a key reference point. In our equation, we achieved the vertex form through completing the square, resulting in:
- \((x + 4)^2 = -4(y + 1)\)
- \((x-h)^2 = 4p(y-k)\)
- \((h, k)\) = (-4, -1)