BIG 003: Analytic and Plane Solid Geometry

Lesson: Conic Section - PARABOLA

Lesson Objectives: By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
1. Identify the general equation and standard equation of a parabola.
2. Learn how to represent the parabola algebraically using equations.
Lesson Preview/Review
Key Ideas / Concepts / Principles That the Students Should Know:
• Basic concepts in Cartesian coordinates and graphing.
• Knowledge of distance and midpoint formulas.
• Familiarity with equations of conic sections (specifically circles from previous lesson).
• Concept of symmetry.
Next Topics / Subjects That Will Use This Understanding:
• Other Conics (Ellipse, Hyperbola) – builds upon properties of parabolas.
• Structural Design – parabolic arches, domes, and roadways.
• Projectile Motion (Physics) – motion paths follow parabolic trajectories.
• Surveying and Civil Drafting – layout of curved elements in design/

A. INTRODUCTION
A parabola is defined as the set of all points in a plane that are equidistant from a fixed point, known as the focus,
and a fixed straight line, called the directrix. It is a symmetrical curve with a distinctive U-shape and has a wide
range of applications in various fields, including physics, engineering, mathematics, and computer graphics.
Parabolas possess unique properties, such as the vertex, axis of symmetry, and focal length, which allow for precise
mathematical analysis and enable their utilization in diverse real-world scenarios, such as satellite dishes, reflectors,
projectile motion, and optical systems.

B. MAIN LESSON
What is a Parabola?
A parabola is a locus of a point which moves so that it is always equidistant
to a fixed point called focus and a fixed straight line called directrix.
 BIG 003: Analytic and Plane Solid Geometry

1. General Equation of a Parabola

A. Axis parallel to the y-axis B. Axis parallel to the x-axis

𝐴𝑥 2 + 𝐷𝑥 + 𝐸𝑦 + 𝐹 = 0 𝐶𝑦 2 + 𝐷𝑥 + 𝐸𝑦 + 𝐹 = 0

2. Standard Equation of a Parabola

Vertex V at origin (0, 0):
A. Axis along x-axis B. Axis along y-axis
 BIG 003: Analytic and Plane Solid Geometry

Vertex V at (h, k):

A. Axis parallel to the x-axis B. Axis parallel to the y-axis

The eccentricity of the parabola is the ratio of When the equation given is a general equation rather than
the distance to the focus to the distance to the standard equation, the vertex V (h, k) of the parabola and
directrix. its focal length of focal radius “a” can be calculated by
converting the general equation to standard using the
𝑓
𝑒= process known as completing the square.
𝑑
The following formulas can be obtained:
Since f = d, then
For horizontal axis: 𝐶𝑦 2 + 𝐷𝑥 + 𝐸𝑦 + 𝐹 = 0
𝑒=1
𝐸 2 − 4𝐶𝐹 𝐸 𝐷
The latus rectum of a parabola is a line that ℎ= , 𝑘=− , 𝑎=−
passes through the focus and perpendicular to the 4𝐶𝐷 2𝐶 4𝐶
axis of the conic. For vertical axis: 𝐴𝑥 2 + 𝐷𝑥 + 𝐸𝑦 + 𝐹 = 0
𝐿𝑅 = 4𝑎 𝐷 𝐷 2 − 4𝐴𝐹 𝐸
ℎ=− , 𝑘= , 𝑎=−
2𝐴 4𝐴𝐸 4𝐴

Examples:
1. Identify where is the vertex of the parabola 𝑥 2 = 4(𝑦 − 2).
Solution:

Standard Equation: (𝑥 − ℎ)2 = 4𝑎(𝑦 − 𝑘)

Where (h, k) are the coordinates of the vertex.
By inspection, ℎ = 0 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑘 = 2, thus the vertex is at (0, 2).

2. Given the equation of the parabola: 𝑦 2 − 8𝑥 − 4𝑦 − 20 = 0. Determine the length of its latus rectum.
 BIG 003: Analytic and Plane Solid Geometry

Solution:
The length of the latus rectum (LR) of a parabola is 4a.

𝑦 2 − 8𝑥 − 4𝑦 − 20 = 0

𝑦 2 − 4𝑦 + 4 = 8𝑥 + 20 + 4
(𝑦 − 2)2 = 8(𝑥 + 3)

From the standard equation, LR = 4a = 8

3. Find the area (in sq. units) bounded by the parabolas 𝑥 2 − 2𝑦 = 0 and 𝑥 2 + 2𝑦 − 8 = 0
Solution:
The plot of the curve is as shown: Solving for the points of intersection:

𝑥2 = 𝑥2
2𝑦 = 8 − 2𝑦
4𝑦 = 8
𝑦=2
𝑥 = ±2
Therefore, point of intersection of the parabolas is at (-2,2) and (2,2)
From the figure shown, the area is:
2
𝐴 = 3 𝑏ℎ (Area of Parabola formula)

2 2
𝐴 = (4)(2) + (4)(2)
3 3
𝐴 = 10.67 𝑠𝑞. 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑠
4. A parabola has its axis parallel to the x-axis, vertex at (-1,7) and one of the latus rectum at (-15/4, 3/2).
Find its equation.
Solution:
Solving for a:
15 11
𝑎= 4
− 1= 4

Standard equation: (𝑦 − 𝑘)2 = −4𝑎(𝑥 − ℎ)2

11
Substitute: (𝑦 − 7)2 = −4( )(𝑥 + 1)
4

𝑦 2 − 14𝑦 + 49 = −11𝑥 − 11
𝑦 2 − 14𝑦 + 11𝑥 + 60 = 0
 BIG 003: Analytic and Plane Solid Geometry

C. PRACTICE PROBLEMS

1. Find the vertex of the parabola 𝑦 2 − 2𝑥 + 6𝑦 + 3 = 0.

Solution:

Given the parabola 𝑦 2 − 2𝑥 + 6𝑦 + 3 = 0.

(𝑥 − ℎ)2 = 4𝑎(𝑦 − 𝑘)

𝑦 2 + 6𝑦 = 2𝑥 − 3

𝑦 2 + 6𝑦 = (𝑦 + 3)2 − 9

(𝑦 + 3)2 = 2(𝑥 + 3)
(𝑥, 𝑦) = (−3, −3)
Therefore, the vertex of the parabola is at (-3, -3)

2. Find the equation of the parabola with vertex at (4, 3) and focus at (4, -1).

Solution:
Given, the vertex v = (4, 3) opens downward, focus at (4, -1)
(𝑥 − ℎ)2 = 4𝑎(𝑦 − 𝑘)

(𝑥 − 4)2 = 4(−4)(𝑦 − 3)

(𝑥 − 4)2 = −16 (𝑦 − 3)

Therefore, the equation of the parabola is (𝒙 − 𝟒)𝟐 = −𝟏𝟔 (𝒚 − 𝟑)

3. Find the length of latus rectum of the curve 𝑥 2 = −12𝑦.

Solution:

Given, the curve 𝑥 2 = −12𝑦, vertex at (0, 0)

𝑥 2 = −12𝑦

𝑥 2 = −4𝑎𝑦.
Therefore, a > 0. (opens downward)
𝐿𝑅 = 4(3) = 12
−4𝑎 = −12, 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑎 = 3
The length of the Latus Rectum (LR) is 12.
 BIG 003: Analytic and Plane Solid Geometry

4. A parabola has its focus at (7, -4) and directrix y = 2. Find its equation.

Solution:
Given, the focus at (7, -4) and directrix y = 2.
−4 + 2
𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑒𝑥 (𝑣) = = −1
2
𝑥𝑣 = 7, 𝑦𝑣 = 1
𝑣 = (7, −1)

(𝑥 − ℎ)2 = 4𝑎(𝑦 − 𝑘)
𝑎 = −4 − (−1) = −3

(𝑥 − 7)2 = 4(−3)(𝑦 + 1)

(𝑥 − 7)2 = −12(𝑦 + 1)

Therefore, the equation of the parabola is (𝒙 − 𝟕)𝟐 = −𝟏𝟐(𝒚 + 𝟏)

5. Find the location of the focus of the parabola 𝑦 2 + 4𝑥 − 4𝑦 − 8 = 0.

Solution:

Given, the parabola 𝑦 2 + 4𝑥 − 4𝑦 − 8 = 0.

𝑦 2 + 4𝑥 − 4𝑦 − 8 = 0

(𝑦 2 − 4𝑦) + 4𝑥 − 8 = 0
(𝑦 − 2)2 − 4 + 4𝑥 − 8 = 0
(𝑦 − 2)2 + 4𝑥 − 12 = 0

(𝑦 − 2)2 = −4𝑥 + 12

(𝑦 − 2)2 = −4(𝑥 − 𝐵)

ℎ, 𝑘 = 3,2 (ℎ + 𝑝, 𝑘)

𝑎 = −1 (3 − 1,2)

𝑓𝑜𝑐𝑢𝑠 𝑜𝑟 𝐿𝑅 = (2,2)

Therefore, the location of the focus is at (2,2)