Skip to main content
Ch. 7 - Conic Sections
Blitzer - College Algebra 8th Edition
Blitzer8th EditionCollege AlgebraISBN: 9780136970514Non è quello che usi tu?Cambia libro di testo
Capitolo 8, Problema 4

In Exercises 1–4, find the focus and directrix of each parabola with the given equation. Then match each equation to one of the graphs that are shown and labeled (a)–(d). y^2 = - 4x
Graphs labeled a and b show upward and downward opening parabolas on a Cartesian plane with x and y axes.Graphs of two parabolas opening right and left, plotted on Cartesian coordinates with labeled axes and grid lines.

Guida verificata passo dopo passo
1
Recognize that the given equation is y2 = -4x, which represents a parabola. Since the variable y is squared, this is a parabola that opens either left or right.
Rewrite the equation in the standard form of a horizontal parabola: (y - k)^2 = 4p(x - h). Here, the vertex is at (h, k). In this case, the equation is y^2 = -4x, so the vertex is at the origin (0, 0) and 4p = -4.
Solve for p by dividing both sides by 4: p = \(\frac{-4}{4}\) = -1. The value of p tells us the distance from the vertex to the focus and from the vertex to the directrix. Since p is negative, the parabola opens to the left.
Find the focus using the vertex and p. For a horizontal parabola opening left or right, the focus is at (h + p, k). Here, the focus is at (0 + (-1), 0) = (-1, 0).
Find the directrix, which is a vertical line given by x = h - p. Substitute the values to get x = 0 - (-1) = 1. So, the directrix is the line x = 1.

Risposta video verificata per un problema simile:

Questa soluzione video è stata consigliata dai nostri tutor come utile per risolvere questo problema.
Durata del video:
1m

Concetti chiave

Ecco i concetti essenziali che devi comprendere per rispondere correttamente alla domanda.

Standard Form of a Parabola

The standard form of a parabola's equation helps identify its orientation and key features. For a parabola that opens left or right, the equation is typically y² = 4px or y² = -4px, where p represents the distance from the vertex to the focus. Recognizing this form allows you to determine the parabola's shape and direction.
Video consigliato:
5:33
Parabolas as Conic Sections

Focus and Directrix of a Parabola

The focus is a fixed point inside the parabola used to define it, and the directrix is a line perpendicular to the axis of symmetry. For the equation y² = -4x, the focus lies at (p, 0) and the directrix is the vertical line x = -p, where p is derived from the coefficient in the equation. These elements are essential for graphing and understanding the parabola's properties.
Video consigliato:
5:28
Horizontal Parabolas

Graph Matching Using Parabola Features

Matching an equation to a graph involves analyzing the parabola's orientation, vertex, focus, and directrix. By calculating the focus and directrix from the equation, you can compare these features to the given graphs (a)–(d) to find the correct match. This process reinforces understanding of how algebraic equations translate into geometric shapes.
Video consigliato:
5:33
Parabolas as Conic Sections