Graphing parabolas

Jamie Hosier - May 8, 2024

Definition of a parabola
A parabola is the set of all points equidistant from a given point (the focus) and a
given line (the directrix)
Equation of a parabola
(p = distance between vertex and focus. Positive if the focus is above or to the
right of the vertex, negative if the focus is below or to the left of the vertex)

(y-k)² = 4p(x-h)
Key features of a parabola
Vertex: the point on the parabola closest to the directrix (h, k)
P-value: the distance between the vertex and the focus. When written as
ax²+bx+c or in vertex form, the p-value is equal to 1/(4a)
Focus: a point inside of the parabola (not on the directrix). For parabolas that open
vertically, this will be (h, k+p). For parabolas that open horizontally, this will be
(h+p, k)
Directrix: a line that does not touch the parabola or the focus. For parabolas that
open vertically, this line will be y = k-p. For parabolas that open horizontally, this
line will be x = h-p
How to graph a parabola
A parabola in standard form can be easily converted to vertex form:

Opens horizontally: y = a(x-h)² + k

Opens vertically: x = a(y-k)² + h

Formula for a: 4/p

In vertex form, it can be graphed the same as we learned in algebra 2

Real-life example
To make a lamp or flashlight face in a specific direction, a reflective surface in the
shape of a parabola may be used. If the light source is at the focus, all rays of light
will reflect in the same direction, focusing the light