Recall that the definition of locus is the set points that meet some given

conditions. In this definition of a parabola, it is the shape created by the points

that are the same distance from a given point (call the focus) and a given line
(called the directrix).
The distance from P to the directrix is always measured as the shortest distance to
the line. That is, the perpendicular distance.
The vertex of a parabola is the point where the parabola crosses its axis of
symmetry
The dimensions of the parabola
When defined this way, the "width" of the parabola is determined by the
distance between the focus and the directrix. In the figure above, drag the focus
point and see the effect it has on the parabola.
Equation of the parabola

Equation of a parabola - derivation

ROOTS:
Put Y=0 and calculate for x; we will get roots in +- form.