Anal Geom

LECTURE #11
OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lessons the students should be able

to:
❑ Classify equations of the conic sections into

parabola, ellipse, and hyperbola
❑ Graph the parabola in different standard
positions with vertex at the origin
❑ Graph the parabola with vertex at (h, k)
❑ Solve problems regarding parabola
3/2/2014 11:18 AM FroydWess - Online Notes

LESSON OUTLINE:
❑ Definition
❑ Parabola with vertex at the origin
❑ Parabola opening to the right
❑ Parabola opening to the left
❑ Parabola opening upward
❑ Parabola opening downward

❑Conic Section or a Conic is a path of point that
moves so that its distance from a fixed point is in
constant ratio to its distance from a fixed line.
❑ Focus is the fixed point

❑ Directrix is the fixed line
❑ Eccentricity is the constant ratio usually
represented by (e)

• The conic section falls into three (3) classes, which
varies in form and in certain properties. These classes
are distinguished by the value of the eccentricity (e).
• If e = 1, a conic section which is a parabola
• If e < 1, a conic section which is an ellipse
• If e > 1, a conic section which is a hyperbola

If a plane intersects the cone when it is slanted the
same as the side of the cone, (formally, when it is
parallel to the slant height), the conic section is a
parabola. This is shown below:

Parabola (e = 1)
❑ A parabola is the set of all points in a plane, which are
equidistant from a fixed point called the focus and a
fixed line of the plane called the directrix.
The cross section of a headlight

is an example of a parabola...
The light
Directrix
source is the
Focus
• Here are some other applications
of the parabola...

Why is the focus so important?
3/2/2014 12:05 PM FroydWess - Online Notes

Parabola: Definition of terms
❑ Vertex – sharpest turn point of the parabola. (represented by V)
❑ Focus – a fixed point which is used to determine or define the
parabola. (represented by F)
❑ Latus Rectum – a line passing through the focus,
perpendicular to the axis of symmetry, and it has two endpoints.
❑ Directrix – a fixed line perpendicular to axis of symmetry
(represented by D)
❑ Axis of symmetry – a line that divides the parabola in half
❑ Eccentricity – the eccentricity of the parabola is always equal
to one. (constant ration represented by e).

Parabola with vertex at the origin V(0, 0)

The general quadratic equation in x and y may be expressed,
Note
If given the equation of the directrix of a parabola and

the coordinates of its focus, the equation and graph of
the parabola can easily be determined.

PARABOLA OPENING TO THE RIGHT
Let vertex at the origin and the
a
focus at (a, 0), where a is any
positive number, axis is along the
P’(-a, y)
a P(x, y) x-axis, directrix is the line x = -a
a
a
F(a, 0)
a a a a a a a
a
LR
Directrix: x = -a
a
Equating,
a
Equation of a parabola in standard position,

opening to right and vertex is at the origin
The length of the latus rectum can be determined from the
coordinates of its endpoints. Substitute x = a,
Therefore, the endpoints of the latus rectum are (a, -2a) and (a, 2a).
Then the length of the latus rectum equal 4a which is four times the
distance between the vertex and the focus.

Parabola opens to the right
❑The Parabola that opens to the right and has a vertex at
(0,0) has the following characteristics……
❑a is the distance from the vertex of the parabola to the

focus or directrix
❑This makes the coordinates of the focus (a, 0)
❑This makes the equation of the directrix x = -a
❑The makes the axis of symmetry the x-axis (y = 0)

Example:
1. Sketch and discuss y2 = 4x. Find the Focus, Directrix and the Latus Rectum.
Solution:
Parabola has vertex at the origin, Then
focus of the parabola,
(1, 2)
The focus is at the point (1, 0)
F(1, 0)
The directrix is the line x = -1. The length
Directrix: x = -1c
LR of the Latus Rectum is equal to 4a,

(1, -2)
Parabola opening to the right: y2 = 4x

2. Find the equation of the parabola having its focus at (2, 0) and directrix x = -2.
Then find the length of the latus rectum.
Solution:
Since directrix is x = -2, focus is at (2, 0),
the vertex of the parabola is at the origin. It
is in standard form y2 = 4ax.
(2, 4)
The length of the Latus Rectum, (LR = 4a)
F(2, 0)
Directrix: x = -2
LR
(2, -4)

3. Find the length of the latus rectum and the equation of the parabola having its
vertex at the origin, axis along x-axis, and passing through the point (3, 6).
Solution:
Since parabola in standard position, it has
the form y2 = 4ax and the coordinates (3, 6)
must satisfy the equation,
The focus is (3, 0) while directrix is the

line x = -3. The length of the latus rectum,
F(3, 0)
(LR = 4a)
Directrix: x = -3
LR
(3, -6)

PARABOLA OPENING TO THE LEFT
Equation of the parabola that
opens to the left with vertex at the
origin
a ❑ axis along the x-axis
❑ focus at (-a, 0) to the left of the
a
vertex
a ❑ directrix x = a to the right of the
a origin
F(-a, 0) ❑ latus rectum is four times the
a a a a a a a a
distance between the vertex and
a the focus
Directrix: x = a
LR
a

opening to left and vertex is at the origin
Parabola opens to the left
❑The Parabola that opens to the left and has a vertex at
(0,0) has the following characteristics……

focus or directrix
❑This makes the coordinates of the focus (-a,0)
❑This makes the equation of the directrix x = a
❑The makes the axis of symmetry the x-axis (y = 0)

Example:
1. Sketch and discuss y2 = -8x. Find the Focus, Directrix and the Latus Rectum.
Solution:
Parabola has vertex at the origin, Then
focus of the parabola,
The focus is at the point (-2, 0)

F(-2, 0)
The directrix is the line x = 2. The length

of the Latus Rectum is equal to 4a,
LR = 8
Directrix: x = 2
Parabola opening to the left: y2 = -8x

2. Find the equation and the length of the latus rectum of the parabola having its
vertex at the origin and focus at (-1/2, 0).
Solution:
Since focus is at (-1/2, 0), we get a =
-½.
Directrix is the line x = ½
F(-1/2, 0)
Latus Rectum (LR = 4a) is LR = 2
LR=2
Directrix: x = 1/2
Equation of the parabola,
Parabola opening to the left: y2 = -2x

PARABOLA OPENING UPWARD
a opens upward with vertex at the
origin
a
❑ axis along the y-axis
a ❑ focus at (0, a) on the y-axis
a
above the vertex
❑ directrix y = -a below the vertex
a ❑ latus rectum is four times the
F(0, a) distance between the vertex and
a
the focus
a a a a a a a a
a
Directrix: y = -a
a

opening to upward and vertex is at the
origin
Parabola opens upward
❑The Parabola that opens up and has a vertex at (0,0)
has the following characteristics……

focus or directrix
❑This makes the coordinates of the focus (0, a)
❑This makes the equation of the directrix y = -a
❑This makes the axis of symmetry the y-axis (x = 0)

Example:
1. Find the equation and the length of the latus rectum of the parabola with
directrix y = -4 and focus at (0, 4). Sketch the graph.
Solution:
Parabola has vertex at the origin and
opens upward, The value of a,
F(0, 4)
Substitute, a = 4 into the equation
LR=16
Latus Rectum (LR = 4a)
Directrix: y = -4
Parabola opening to the upward: x2 = 16y

PARABOLA OPENING DOWNWARD
opens downward with vertex at
a the origin
❑ axis along the y-axis
a
Directrix: y = a ❑ focus at (0, -a) on the y-axis
below the vertex
❑ directrix y = a above the vertex
a a a a a a a
a
F(0, -a) ❑ latus rectum is four times the
a distance between the vertex and
the focus
a

opening to downward and vertex is at the
origin

Parabola opens downward
❑The Parabola that opens down and has a vertex at (0,0)
has the following characteristics……

focus or directrix
❑This makes the coordinates of the focus (0,-a)
❑This makes the equation of the directrix y = a
❑This makes the axis of symmetry the y-axis (x = 0)

Example:
1. Find the length of the latus rectum and the equation of the parabola whose axis
is vertical, vertex at the origin, and passing through (4, -2). Sketch the graph.
Solution:
Parabola has vertex at the origin and
opens downward. It should pass through
P(4, -2). Substitute x = 4 and y = -2 into
Directrix: y = 2 the equation to get a,
Focus is at (0, -2) and the directrix is

F(0, -a) the line y = 2. The equation of the
parabola,
Parabola opening to the upward: x2 = -8y

Summary

Seatwork:
1. Find the length of the latus rectum and the equation of the parabola with
vertex at the origin, directrix x = -3 and focus (3, 0). Sketch the graph.
1. Find the length of the latus rectum and the equation of the parabola with
vertex at the origin, axis along the x-axis and passing through the point (-1,
2). Sketch the graph.
1. Find focus, directrix, and equation of the parabola with vertex at the origin;
axis along the y-axis; opening upward; and the length of the latus rectum is
12. Sketch the graph.
1. Find the focus, directrix, and equation of the parabola with vertex at the
origin; axis along the y-axis; opening downward; and the length of the latus
rectum is 10. Sketch the graph.

Exercises:
1. Determine the focus, the length of the latus rectum and

the equation of the directrix for the parabola 3y2 – 8x =
0 and sketch the graph.
2. Write the equation of the parabola with vertex V at (0, 0)

which satisfies the given conditions:
a. axis on the y-axis and passes through (6, -3)
b. F(0, 4/3) and the equation of the directrix is y + 4/3 = 0
c. Directrix is x – 4 = 0
d. Focus at (0, 2)
e. Latus rectum is 6 units and the parabola opens to the
left
f. Focus on the x-axis and passes through (4, 3)

PARABOLA WITH
VERTEX AT (h,k)

Parabola with vertex at (h, k)
❑ Case I : Axis is parallel to the x-axis and the parabola opens to the right,
Where the focus is on the line y = k and a units to the right of the vertex at (h, k).
❑ Case II : Axis is parallel to the x-axis and the parabola opens to the left,
Where the focus is on the line y = k and a units to the left of the vertex at (h, k).
❑ Case III : Axis is parallel to the y-axis and the parabola opens upward,
Where the focus is on the line x = h and a units to the above the vertex at (h, k).
❑ Case IV : Axis is parallel to the y-axis and the parabola opens downward,
Where the focus is on the line x = h and a units to the below the vertex at (h, k).

Standard Form General Form
(y – k)2 = 4a (x – h)
y2 + Dy + Ex + F = 0
(y – k)2 = - 4a (x – h)
(x – h)2 = 4a (y – k)
x2 + Dx + Ey + F = 0
(x – h)2 = - 4a (y – k)

Example:
1. Find the equation of the parabola with vertex at (-2, 0) and focus (-1, 0).
Sketch the graph.
Solution: The focus is to the right, the parabola
opens to the right. From (-2, 0), h = -2,
and k = 0.
The horizontal distance from (-2, 0) and

(-1, 0)
P(-2, 0) The length of Latus Rectum,
F(-1, 0)
Substitute into standard form,
Parabola opening to the right with vertex

at (-2, 0)
2. Given the parabola having the equation x2 + 4y + 8x = -4, find the vertex,
focus, and the length of the latus rectum. Sketch the graph.
Solution:
Reduce the equation into standard form
by completing the square,
P(-4, 3)
F(-4, 2) The vertex at (-4, 3) and the Focus is

(-4, 2) since,
The parabola opens downward. The

length of the Latus Rectum,
Parabola opening downward with vertex

at (-4, 3) and Focus (4, 2)

3. Find the equation of the parabola with vertex at (1, -2), axis parallel to the y-
axis, and passing through (-1, 2). Sketch the graph.
Solution:
The parabola opens upward and its
equation,
From the vertex (1, -2), h = 1 and k = -2
P(-1, 2)
Parabola passes (-1, 2), let x = -1 and y = 2
Substitute the values into the equation,
Substitute into the standard form,

P(1, -2)
Parabola with vertex at (1, -2) and passes

through (-1, 2)

4. Find the equation of the parabola with directrix x + 1 = 0, axis y = 1, and the
length of the latus rectum is 4. Sketch the graph.
Solution: The directrix is the line x = -1. Find a using the
latus rectum,
X = -1
The vertices are (0, 1) and (-2, 1). The foci are at
(1, 1) and (-3, 1).
F(-3, 1) Parabola opens to the right with vertex (h, k) =
(0, 1) and focus a =1
P(-2, 1) F(1, 1) y=1
P(0, 1)
Parabola opens to the left with vertex (h, k) =

(-2, 1) and focus a = 1
Two Parabolas with the same Axis and

Directrix

Summary

Seatwork:
1. Find the equation of the parabola with vertex at (-3, 1) and focus at (1, 1).
Sketch the graph.
1. Find the equation of the parabola with vertex at (2, -1) and directrix y + 2 =
0. Sketch the graph.
1. Find the equation of the parabola with vertex at (2, 2) and passing through
(2, -2); axis parallel to the x-axis. Sketch the graph.
1. Given the equation of the parabola (x + 2)2 = 2(y – 1), find the vertex,
directrix, focus, and length of the latus rectum.
1. Given the equation of the parabola y2 + 4x – 3y + 1 = 0, find the vertex,

directrix, focus, and length of the latus rectum.

Homework:
SUPPLEMENTARY PROBLEMS 2.1.5 PAGE 185-186:
PROBLEMS: 2, 4, 6,8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36

Exercise:
1. Draw the graph of the parabola y2 + 8x – 6y + 25 = 0

2. Express x2 – 12x + 16y – 60 = 0 to standard form and
construct the parabola.
3. Determine the equation of the parabola in the standard
form, which satisfies the given conditions.
a. V (3, 2) and F (5, 2)
b. V (2, 3) and axis parallel to y axis and passing through
(4, 5)
c. V (2, 1), Latus rectum at (-1, -5) & (-1, 7)
d. V (2, -3) and directrix is y = -7
4. Find the equation of parabola with vertex at (-1, -2), axis
is vertical and passes through (3, 6).

5. A parabola whose axis is parallel to the y-axis passes
through the points (1, 1), (2, 2) and (-1, 5). Find the
equation and construct the parabola.
6. A parabola whose axis is parallel to the x-axis passes
through (0, 4), (0, -1) and (6, 1). Find the equation and
construct the parabola.
7. A parabolic trough 10 meters long, 4 meters wide across
the top and 3 meters deep is filled with water at a depth of
2 meters. Find the volume of water in the trough.
8. Water spouts from a horizontal pipe 12 meters above the
ground and 3 meters below the line of the pipe, the water
trajectory is at a horizontal distance of 5 meters. How far
from the vertical line will the stream of the water hit the
ground?
9. A parabolic suspension bridge cable is hung between
two supporting towers 120 meters apart and 35 meters
above the bridge deck. The lowest point of the cable is 5
meters above the deck. Determine the lengths (h1 & h2) of
the tension members 20 meters and 40 meters from the
bridge center.
10. A parkway 20 meters wide is spanned by a parabolic

arc 30 meters long along the horizontal. If the parkway is
centered, how high must the vertex of the arch be in order
to give a minimum clearance of 5 meters over the parkway.

Application problem:
A necklace hanging between two fixed points A

and B at the same level. The length of the
necklace between the two point is 100 cm. The
mid point of the necklace is 8 cm below A and B.
Assume that the necklace hangs in the form of
parabolic curve, find the equation of the curve.

Solution:
y
50cm 50cm
x
A B
8cm

Anal Geom

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Anal Geom

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

LECTURE #11

OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lessons the students should be able

❑ Classify equations of the conic sections into

3/2/2014 11:18 AM FroydWess - Online Notes

3/2/2014 11:18 AM FroydWess - Online Notes

❑ Focus is the fixed point

3/2/2014 11:18 AM FroydWess - Online Notes

3/2/2014 11:18 AM FroydWess - Online Notes

3/2/2014 11:18 AM FroydWess - Online Notes

The cross section of a headlight

3/2/2014 11:18 AM FroydWess - Online Notes

3/2/2014 12:05 PM FroydWess - Online Notes

3/2/2014 11:18 AM FroydWess - Online Notes

3/2/2014 11:18 AM FroydWess - Online Notes

If given the equation of the directrix of a parabola and

3/2/2014 11:18 AM FroydWess - Online Notes

Equation of a parabola in standard position,

3/2/2014 11:18 AM FroydWess - Online Notes

❑a is the distance from the vertex of the parabola to the

3/2/2014 12:10 PM FroydWess - Online Notes

LR of the Latus Rectum is equal to 4a,

Parabola opening to the right: y2 = 4x

3/2/2014 11:18 AM FroydWess - Online Notes

The length of the Latus Rectum, (LR = 4a)

Parabola opening to the right: y2 = 8x

3/2/2014 11:18 AM FroydWess - Online Notes

The focus is (3, 0) while directrix is the

Parabola opening to the right: y2 = 12x

3/2/2014 11:18 AM FroydWess - Online Notes

Equation of a parabola in standard position,

❑a is the distance from the vertex of the parabola to the

3/2/2014 12:15 PM FroydWess - Online Notes

The focus is at the point (-2, 0)

The directrix is the line x = 2. The length

Parabola opening to the left: y2 = -8x

3/2/2014 11:18 AM FroydWess - Online Notes

Directrix is the line x = ½

Equation of the parabola,

Parabola opening to the left: y2 = -2x

3/2/2014 11:18 AM FroydWess - Online Notes

Equation of a parabola in standard position,

❑a is the distance from the vertex of the parabola to the

3/2/2014 12:18 PM FroydWess - Online Notes

Latus Rectum (LR = 4a)

Parabola opening to the upward: x2 = 16y

3/2/2014 11:18 AM FroydWess - Online Notes

Equation of a parabola in standard position,

3/2/2014 11:18 AM FroydWess - Online Notes

❑a is the distance from the vertex of the parabola to the

3/2/2014 12:20 PM FroydWess - Online Notes

Focus is at (0, -2) and the directrix is

Parabola opening to the upward: x2 = -8y

3/2/2014 11:18 AM FroydWess - Online Notes

3/2/2014 11:18 AM FroydWess - Online Notes

3/2/2014 11:18 AM FroydWess - Online Notes

1. Determine the focus, the length of the latus rectum and

2. Write the equation of the parabola with vertex V at (0, 0)

3/2/2014 11:18 AM FroydWess - Online Notes

3/2/2014 11:18 AM FroydWess - Online Notes

3/2/2014 11:18 AM FroydWess - Online Notes

3/2/2014 11:18 AM FroydWess - Online Notes

The horizontal distance from (-2, 0) and

P(-2, 0) The length of Latus Rectum,