Chapter 7: Problem 3
Find the vertex, focus, directrix, and axis of the given parabola. Graph the parabola. \(y^{2}=-\frac{4}{3} x\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
Vertex: (0,0). Focus: \((-\frac{1}{3}, 0)\). Directrix: \(x = \frac{1}{3}\). Axis: \(y=0\).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Parabola Form
The given equation is in the form \(y^2 = -\frac{4}{3}x\). This is the equation of a parabola that opens leftward. The standard form for a horizontal parabola is \((y-k)^2 = 4p(x-h)\). In this equation, \((h, k)\) represents the vertex.
02
Identify the Vertex
For the equation \(y^2 = -\frac{4}{3}x\), we have \(h = 0\) and \(k = 0\) since it can be rewritten as \((y - 0)^2 = -\frac{4}{3}(x - 0)\). Hence, the vertex of the parabola is \((0, 0)\).
03
Determine the Value of p
In the standard form \((y-k)^2 = 4p(x-h)\), \(4p = -\frac{4}{3}\). Therefore, \(p = -\frac{1}{3}\).
04
Identify the Focus
The focus of a horizontal parabola \((y-k)^2 = 4p(x-h)\) is \((h + p, k)\). Plugging in the values, \(h = 0\), \(k = 0\), and \(p = -\frac{1}{3}\), we get \(\left(0 + \left(-\frac{1}{3}\right), 0\right) = \left(-\frac{1}{3}, 0\right)\).
05
Identify the Directrix
The directrix of a horizontal parabola is the line \(x = h - p\). Substituting \(h = 0\) and \(p = -\frac{1}{3}\), the directrix is \(x = 0 - \left(-\frac{1}{3}\right) = \frac{1}{3}\).
06
Identify the Axis of Symmetry
Since the parabola is horizontal as evident from the equation \((y-k)^2 = 4p(x-h)\), the axis of symmetry is a horizontal line that passes through the vertex. Since the vertex is at \((0, 0)\), the axis of symmetry is the line \(y = 0\).
07
Graph the Parabola
To graph the parabola, plot the vertex \((0, 0)\), focus \((-\frac{1}{3}, 0)\), and draw the directrix line \(x = \frac{1}{3}\). Since the parabola opens to the left, sketch the curve extending from the vertex and passing through points symmetric about the focus and directrix.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Vertex of the Parabola
The vertex of a parabola is a key feature. It is the point where the parabola changes direction. In simpler terms, picture the vertex as the tip of the curve. For the equation \[ y^2 = -\frac{4}{3}x \]we can see it is a horizontal parabola opening leftward. The formula for a horizontal parabola is \[ (y-k)^2 = 4p(x-h) \]where
- \((h, k)\) is the vertex.
- Note in our equation, both \(h\) and \(k\) are zero.
Focus of Parabola
The focus of a parabola is an essential part of its structure. Think of the focus as a spotlight shining onto the curve, guiding its shape. To find the focus of a horizontal parabola, use the equation:\[ (y-k)^2 = 4p(x-h) \]Here, the focus is located at the point \((h + p, k)\). For our specific equation \[ y^2 = -\frac{4}{3}x \]we calculated
- \(p = -\frac{1}{3}\)
Directrix of a Parabola
The directrix of a parabola is a guideline that affects its shape and orientation. Imagine the directrix as a boundary or invisible line that the parabola cannot pass. For horizontal parabolas of the form \[ (y-k)^2 = 4p(x-h) \]the directrix is a vertical line at\[ x = h - p \]In our case with the parabola \[ y^2 = -\frac{4}{3}x \]we found
- \(h = 0\),
- \(p = -\frac{1}{3}\)