Chapter 9: Problem 40
Find the vertex, focus, and directrix of each parabola with the given equation. Then graph the parabola. $$(y+4)^{2}=12(x+2)$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The Vertex of the parabola is at \((-2, -4)\), the Focus of the parabola is at \((1, -4)\), and the Directrix of the parabola is at \(x = -5\).
Step by step solution
01
Identify Vertex
The equation of the parabola is \((y+4)^2 = 12(x+2)\). \ Because this is in the form \((y+k)^2 = 4a(x+h)\), we can say that the vertex of the parabola is at the point \((-k, -h)\). \ Substituting the values, the vertex, \(V\) is therefore at the point \((-2,-4)\).
02
Identify Focus
Our value of \(4a\) from the equation is 12. So, \(a = 12/4 = 3\). \ Since our parabola opens to the right (because \(a>0\)), the focus, \(F\), is at the point \((h+a, k)\). \ Substituting, the focus is therefore at the point \((-2+3, -4)\), which simplifies to \((1,-4)\).
03
Identify Directrix
Again, because our parabola opens to the right, the equation of the directrix is of the form \(x = h - a\). \ Substituting from our equation, the directrix, \(D\), is the line \(x = -2 - 3\), which simplifies to \(x = -5\).
04
Graph the Parabola
Begin by plotting the vertex at point \((-2,-4)\). \ The parabola will open to the right, as \(a>0\). \ Next, plot the focus at point \((1,-4)\). The point of the focus is always inside the parabola. \ Plot the directrix as a vertical line at \(x = -5\). The directrix is always outside the parabola. \ Sketch the parabola with the vertex, focus and directrix identified.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Vertex
The vertex of a parabola is an essential feature that essentially indicates its highest or lowest point, or the point where it changes direction. In the equation \[(y+4)^2 = 12(x+2)\]the expression is structured as \[(y+k)^2 = 4a(x+h)\]. This tells you that the vertex is at the coordinates \(-h, -k\). Substituting the specific values from our equation gives us the vertex at \((-2, -4)\).
The vertex serves as a pivotal point on the graph of the parabola and is crucial for sketching the curve accurately.
The vertex serves as a pivotal point on the graph of the parabola and is crucial for sketching the curve accurately.
- The vertex will help in understanding the symmetry of the parabola.
- It is essential for determining other features such as the focus and the directrix.
Focus
The focus of a parabola provides valuable information about its orientation and size. In a parabola represented by \((y+k)^2 = 4a(x+h)\), the term \(4a\) helps determine the focus' position relative to the vertex. Let's break it down:
In our example, \(4a=12\) and thus, \(a = 3\). Since the parabola opens to the right, the focus is positioned at \((h+a, k)\). By substituting in the values from the equation, the focus is located at \((1, -4)\).
In our example, \(4a=12\) and thus, \(a = 3\). Since the parabola opens to the right, the focus is positioned at \((h+a, k)\). By substituting in the values from the equation, the focus is located at \((1, -4)\).
- Position of the focus indicates the direction in which the parabola opens.
- Proximity of the focus to the vertex determines the 'width' of the parabola.
Directrix
The directrix is a line integral to defining a parabola, serving as a boundary that is always positioned outside it. In our equation, the directrix is determined by the formula \(x = h - a\). For a parabola opening to the right, like ours, this leads to a vertical line.
From our specific equation, upon inserting the values, the directrix is given by \(x = -5\).
From our specific equation, upon inserting the values, the directrix is given by \(x = -5\).
- Every point on a parabola maintains an equal distance from both the focus and its directrix.
- The directrix helps maintain the locus of the parabola.
Graphing Parabolas
Graphing parabolas involves a few important steps that help visually convey the characteristics of the curve. To graph a parabola, you will need to chart the vertex, focus, and directrix accurately.
Start by plotting the vertex \((-2, -4)\). Next, locate the focus at \((1, -4)\), ensuring it's inside the parabola. Then draw the directrix line at \(x = -5\). With these points marked, sketch the curve such that:
Start by plotting the vertex \((-2, -4)\). Next, locate the focus at \((1, -4)\), ensuring it's inside the parabola. Then draw the directrix line at \(x = -5\). With these points marked, sketch the curve such that:
- The parabola opens to the right.
- The focus lies within the curve.
- The directrix remains outside the parabola.