http://www.softschools.com/math/calculus/writing_the_equation_of_parabolas/
One of the ways to define a parabola -
the locus of all points that are equidistant from a given point (focus) and a given line (directrix).
To write the equation of a parabola....
1. Determine which pattern to use (based on whether it is horizontal or vertical)
2. Substitute in h and k ,which is the vertex of the parabola.
3. Choose a coordinate to substitute in and solve for a.
4. Write your final equation with a, h, and k.
2. Substitute in h and k ,which is the vertex of the parabola.
3. Choose a coordinate to substitute in and solve for a.
4. Write your final equation with a, h, and k.
Remember the patterns:
To derive, see http://www.mathopenref.com/parabolafdderive.html
Using the focus and directrix to find the equation of a parabola:
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