Given the Directrix and Focus

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 44 views

Introduction

In mathematics, the vertex form of a parabola is a way to express the equation of a parabola in a specific format. This format is useful for identifying the vertex of the parabola, which is the point where the parabola changes direction. In this article, we will explore the vertex form of a parabola and how to find it given the directrix and focus.

What is the Vertex Form of a Parabola?

The vertex form of a parabola is given by the equation:

x = a(y - k)^2 + h

where (h, k) is the vertex of the parabola, and a is a constant that determines the direction and width of the parabola.

Given the Directrix and Focus

In this problem, we are given the directrix x = 6 and the focus (3, -5). The directrix is a line that is perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of the parabola, and the focus is a point that is equidistant from the directrix and the vertex.

Step 1: Find the Vertex

To find the vertex, we need to find the midpoint between the focus and the directrix. The midpoint is given by the formula:

h = (x1 + x2) / 2

where x1 is the x-coordinate of the focus, and x2 is the x-coordinate of the directrix.

Plugging in the values, we get:

h = (3 + 6) / 2 h = 9 / 2 h = 4.5

Step 2: Find the Value of a

The value of a is determined by the distance between the focus and the vertex. The distance between the focus and the vertex is given by the formula:

a = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1)

where (x1, y1) is the focus, and (x2, y2) is the vertex.

Plugging in the values, we get:

a = (-5 - k) / (3 - 4.5) a = (-5 - k) / (-1.5)

Step 3: Find the Value of k

The value of k is the y-coordinate of the vertex. Since the vertex is the midpoint between the focus and the directrix, we can find the value of k by finding the midpoint between the y-coordinates of the focus and the directrix.

The y-coordinate of the directrix is 0, since it is a horizontal line. The y-coordinate of the focus is -5. Therefore, the midpoint between the y-coordinates is:

k = (-5 + 0) / 2 k = -5 / 2 k = -2.5

Step 4: Write the Equation in Vertex Form

Now that we have found the values of h, k, and a, we can write the equation in vertex form:

x = a(y - k)^2 + h

Plugging in the values, we get:

x = (-5 - (-2.5))^2 / (-1.5) + 4.5 x = (-5 + 2.5)^2 / (-1.5) + 4.5 x = (-2.5)^2 / (-1.5) + 4.5 x = 6.25 / (-1.5) + 4.5 x = -4.1667 + 4.5 x = 0.3333

However, we are asked to use numerals instead of words for the answer. Therefore, the correct answer is:

x = 0.3333

Conclusion

In this article, we have explored the vertex form of a parabola and how to find it given the directrix and focus. We have used the formula for the vertex form of a parabola and the midpoint formula to find the values of h, k, and a. We have then written the equation in vertex form and found the correct answer using numerals instead of words.

Final Answer

The final answer is:

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored the vertex form of a parabola and how to find it given the directrix and focus. In this article, we will answer some common questions related to the vertex form of a parabola.

Q: What is the vertex form of a parabola?

A: The vertex form of a parabola is a way to express the equation of a parabola in a specific format. This format is useful for identifying the vertex of the parabola, which is the point where the parabola changes direction. The vertex form of a parabola is given by the equation:

x = a(y - k)^2 + h

where (h, k) is the vertex of the parabola, and a is a constant that determines the direction and width of the parabola.

Q: How do I find the vertex of a parabola?

A: To find the vertex of a parabola, you need to find the midpoint between the focus and the directrix. The midpoint is given by the formula:

h = (x1 + x2) / 2

where x1 is the x-coordinate of the focus, and x2 is the x-coordinate of the directrix.

Q: What is the directrix of a parabola?

A: The directrix of a parabola is a line that is perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of the parabola. The directrix is used to find the vertex of the parabola.

Q: What is the focus of a parabola?

A: The focus of a parabola is a point that is equidistant from the directrix and the vertex. The focus is used to find the vertex of the parabola.

Q: How do I find the value of a in the vertex form of a parabola?

A: The value of a is determined by the distance between the focus and the vertex. The distance between the focus and the vertex is given by the formula:

a = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1)

where (x1, y1) is the focus, and (x2, y2) is the vertex.

Q: How do I find the value of k in the vertex form of a parabola?

A: The value of k is the y-coordinate of the vertex. Since the vertex is the midpoint between the focus and the directrix, you can find the value of k by finding the midpoint between the y-coordinates of the focus and the directrix.

Q: What is the significance of the vertex form of a parabola?

A: The vertex form of a parabola is useful for identifying the vertex of the parabola, which is the point where the parabola changes direction. It is also useful for finding the equation of a parabola given the directrix and focus.

Q: Can I use the vertex form of a parabola to find the equation of a parabola given the vertex and focus?

A: Yes, you can use the vertex form of a parabola to find the equation of a parabola given the vertex and focus. To do this, you need to find the value of a using the formula:

a = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1)

where (x1, y1) is the focus, and (x2, y2) is the vertex.

Conclusion

In this article, we have answered some common questions related to the vertex form of a parabola. We have covered topics such as the vertex form of a parabola, finding the vertex of a parabola, the directrix and focus of a parabola, and the significance of the vertex form of a parabola.

Final Answer

The final answer is:

x = 0.3333