Subject Test Question:
The standard equation of a parabola with focus (2, -3) and directrix x=6 is
B) x-4 = -8(y+3)^2.
I did not get this answer. Instead I got (y+3)^2 = -8(x-4)
Purplemath has a great review of this stuff that you may find helpful.
Here are the things you must know:
- The “standard equation” they’re looking for is in this form: .
- The parabola’s vertex is always halfway between the focus and the directrix, so it will be at (4, –3).
- A parabola opens away from its directrix, which is a vertical line, so this is a sideways parabola opening left.
- Since the vertex of the parabola is 2 units from the directrix, p = 2.
Take the vertex of (4, –3) and your calculated p value and put them into the equation: