Parabola

Learner's Module in Pre-Calculus

Quarter 1 ● Module 2 ● Week 2

JENNYLYN B. BONAYAO
Developer

Department of Education • Cordillera Administrative Region

1
What I Need To Know

Welcome to this module on PARABOLA.

This module is intended to help you, learners, understand and master the concepts
of parabola. The primary aim of this module is to assist and provide a general
background for the understanding of the concept of parabola.
Through this module, you should be able to:
1. define parabola,
2. identify the vertex, focus and directrix of equation of a parabola,
3. determine the standard form of equation of a parabola given the directrix or
focus.
You can write your solutions and answers on the module. However, if space is not
enough you can use extra sheet of papers.

Here is an outline of the different parts of your learning module. Be guided with the
description on the different parts of this module.

Parts of the Module Description

What I need to know This presents the learning objectives that you
need to achieve as you go through this module.
What I know This is to check what you already know about the
lesson in this module.
What’s In This is a review or an introduction of the lesson in
this module.
What’s New This is an introductory activity about the lesson in
this module.
What Is It This is a brief discussion of the lesson.
What’s More This consist of different activities and assessment
of the lesson.
What I have Learned This is the generalization part of the lesson.
What I can do This serves as the application part of the module.
Post Assessment This is to check what you have learned on this
module.
Additional Activities This are activities that helps you master the
concept of the lesson.

2
What I Know

INSTRUCTION: Choose the best answer. Write the letter of your choice in CAPITAL
LETTERS on the space provided.

_____1. What do we call the set of all points (𝑥, 𝑦) equidistant from fixed line and
a fixed point not on the line?
a. Circle b. ellipse c. hyperbola d. parabola

_____2. A parabola is the set of all points in a plane that are equidistant from a
fixed line and a fixed point, called the ____________.
a. y-axis c. directrix
b. x-axis d. focus

_____3. What is the opening of the graph of the equation of the parabola
2𝑥 2 = 120𝑦 ?
a. upward b. downward c. to the left d. to the right

_____4. Which equation of the parabola opens to the right when graphed?

a. 4𝑦 − 2𝑥 2 = 6 c. 4𝑥 − 2𝑦 2 = 6
b. 4𝑦 + 2𝑥 2 = 6 d. 4𝑥 + 2𝑦 2 = 6

_____5. Which equation of the parabola opens to the left when graphed?

a. 4𝑦 − 2𝑥 2 = 6 c. 4𝑥 − 2𝑦 2 = 6
b. 4𝑦 + 2𝑥 2 = 6 d. 4𝑥 + 2𝑦 2 = 6

_____6. Which equation of the parabola opens downward when graphed?

a. 4𝑦 − 2𝑥 2 = 6 c. 4𝑥 − 2𝑦 2 = 6
b. 4𝑦 + 2𝑥 2 = 6 d. 4𝑥 + 2𝑦 2 = 6

_____7. What is the distance from the focus to the vertex of the parabola with
equation 𝑥 2 = 8𝑦?
a. 1 b. 2 c. 3 d. 4

_____8. What is the focus of the parabola with equation 2𝑥 2 = 120𝑦?

a. (0, 60) b. (0, 15) c. (0, −15) d. (0, −60)

_____9. What is the directrix of the parabola with equation 𝑦 2 = 24𝑥?

a. 𝑥 = 6 b. 𝑥 = −6 c. 𝑦 = 6 d. 𝑦 = −6

3
_____10. Find the axis of symmetry of 𝑦 2 = 24𝑥.

a. 𝑥 = 0 b. 𝑦 = 0 c. 𝑥 = 1 d. 𝑦 = 1

_____11. Determine the value of 𝑝 of the parabola (𝑦 + 5)2 = −16(𝑥 − 2).

a. −16 b.−4 c. 4 d. 16

_____12. Find the axis of symmetry of the equation of a parabola

(𝑦 + 5)2 = −16(𝑥 − 2).
a. 𝑥 = −5 b. 𝑦 = −5 c. 𝑥 = 2 d. 𝑦 = 2

_____13. Which of the following is the vertex of the parabola

(𝑦 + 5)2 = −16(𝑥 − 2)?
a. (5, 2) b. (2, 5) c. (2, −5) d. (−5, 2)

_____14. Find the directrix of the parabola (𝑥 − 8)2 = −2(𝑦 − 4).

9 9 7 7
a. 𝑦 = b. 𝑦 = − c. 𝑥 = d. 𝑥 = −
2 2 2 2

_____15. Find the focus of the parabola (𝑥 − 8)2 = −2(𝑦 − 4).

9 9 7 7
a. (8, 2) b. (8, − 2) c. (8, 2) d. (8, − 2)

If you get 100% of the items correctly, you may proceed to the next
module. Otherwise, you must go through the lessons.

4
What’s In

The Graph of a Quadratic Function

A quadratic function has the form 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 where 𝑎 ≠ 0. The graph of a
quadratic function is U-shaped and is called a parabola.
The graph of 𝑦 = 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑥 + 𝑐 is a parabola with these characteristics:
• The parabola opens up if 𝑎 > 0 and opens down if 𝑎 < 0. The parabola is
wider than the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 if |𝑎| < 1 and narrower than the graph of
𝑦 = 𝑥 2 if |𝑎| > 1 .
𝑏
• The x-coordinate of the vertex is − 2𝑎.
𝑏
• The axis of symmetry is the vertical line 𝑥 = − 2𝑎.

What’s New

Fill in the blanks. Complete the sentences by rearranging the

scrambled letters.

A _______________(boplaraa) is the set of all points (𝑥, 𝑦) in a plane that are

equidistant from a fixed line called the ______________(extricdri), and a fixed point
called the ________________(sucfo) which is not on the line. A parabola has an axis
of symmetry __________________(pciedprarunel) to its directrix and that passes
through its vertex. The ________________(vexret) of the parabola is the midpoint of
the segment connecting the focus and the directrix.

You will be able to find out if your answers are correct as we

go on with our lesson which is on PARABOLA. So, are you ready?
Then turn on your module to the next page!!!

5
What Is It

Definition of a Parabola

A parabola is the set of all points (𝑥, 𝑦) in a plane that are equidistant from a
fixed line called the directrix, and a fixed point called the focus which is not on the
line. A parabola has an axis of symmetry perpendicular to its directrix and passes
through its vertex. The vertex of the parabola is the midpoint of the segment
connecting the focus and the directrix.

Axis of symmetry

𝑑2
Focus
(𝑥, 𝑦)

𝑑2 Vertex

Directrix

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Equation of a Parabola with vertex at the origin
The equation of a parabola with vertex (0, 0) are 𝑦 2 = 4𝑝𝑥 when the 𝑥 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠 is
the axis of symmetry and 𝑥 2 = 4𝑝𝑦 when the 𝑦 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠 is the axis of symmetry. When
𝑝 > 0 and the axis of symmetry is the 𝑦 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠, the parabola opens up. When 𝑝 <
0 and the axis of symmetry is the 𝑦 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠, the parabola opens down. When 𝑝 > 0 and
the axis of symmetry is the 𝑥 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠, the parabola opens right. When 𝑝 < 0 and the
axis of symmetry is the 𝑥 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠, the parabola opens left.

The table below summarizes the standard features of parabolas with a vertex
at the origin.

Equation 𝑥 2 = 4𝑝𝑦 𝑦 2 = 4𝑝𝑥

Focus (0, 𝑝) (𝑝, 0)

Directrix 𝑦 = −𝑝 𝑥 = −𝑝

Axis of symmetry Vertical (𝑥 = 0)/y-axis horizontal(𝑦 = 0)/x-axis

Opening of the Graph Up if 𝑝 > 0 Right if 𝑝 > 0

Down if 𝑝 < 0 Left if 𝑝 < 0

Graph

Note: |𝑝| is the distance of the directrix to the vertex and focus to the vertex. The
distance of the directrix to the vertex is the same as the distance of focus to vertex.
|2𝑝| is the distance of the focus to the directrix

7
Example:
Complete the given table by filling in the missing values.

Equation Focus Directrix Axis of symmetry

1. 𝑦 2 = 4𝑥 (1,0)
2. 𝑦 2 = −4𝑥 (−1,0)
3. 𝑥 2 = 8𝑦 𝑦 = −2
4. (0, −5) 𝑦=5
5. 𝑦 2 = 9𝑥 Horizontal (𝑦 = 0)
6. (0, 4) Vertical (𝑥 = 0)
1. Given:
Equation: 𝑦 2 = 4𝑥; focus:(1,0)

Unknowns: directrix and axis of symmetry

a. Directrix: To determine the equation of the directrix, follow these steps:

i. Determine the value of 𝑝.
The focus of the parabola is in the form (𝑝, 0). Using the given focus
which is (1,0), the value of 𝑝 is 1.
ii. Take the negative of 𝑝 then write it in the form of 𝑥 = 𝑝.
𝑥 = −1.
Therefore, the directrix is 𝒙 = −𝟏.
Note: The directrix is a line, therefore it must be in an equation form.

b. Axis of symmetry: Since the equation is in the form 𝑦 2 = 4𝑝𝑥, then its axis
of symmetry is horizontal at 𝑦 = 0.

2. Given:
Equation: 𝑦 2 = −4𝑥; focus:(−1,0)

Unknowns: directrix and axis of symmetry

a. Directrix: To determine the equation of the directrix, follow these steps:

i. Determine the value of 𝑝.
The focus of the parabola is in the form (𝑝, 0). Using the given focus
which is (−1,0), the value of 𝑝 is −1.

8
ii. Take the negative of 𝑝 then write it in the form of 𝑥 = 𝑝.
𝑥=1
Therefore, the directrix is 𝒙 = 𝟏.

b. Axis of symmetry: Horizontal axis of symmetry at 𝑦 = 0.

3. Given:
Equation: 𝑥 2 = 8𝑦; directrix:𝑦 = −2

Unknowns: focus and axis of symmetry

a. Focus: To determine the focus, follow these steps:

i. Determine the value of 𝑝.

4𝑝 = 8 Find the value of 𝑝 by simplifying 4𝑝 to the

given constant.
𝑝=2 Divide both sides of the equation by the
numerical coefficient of 𝑝 which is 4.
ii. Determine the form of the given equation.
Since the given equation of the parabola is in the form of 𝑥 2 = 4𝑝𝑦,
the focus is in the form (0, 𝑝). Therefore, the focus is (0,2).

b. Axis of symmetry: Vertical axis of symmetry at 𝑥 = 0

4. Given:
focus:(0, −5); directrix: 𝑦 = 5

Unknowns: equation and axis of symmetry

a. Equation:
i. Determine the form of the equation to be used.
Since the focus is in the form (0, 𝑝), the equation of the parabola to
be used is 𝑥 2 = 4𝑝𝑦.
ii. Determine the value of 𝑝.
The focus of the parabola is in the form (0, 𝑝). Using the given focus
which is (0, −5), the value of 𝑝 is −5.
iii. Substitute the value of 𝑝 to the equation 𝑥 2 = 4𝑝𝑦 and simplify.
𝑥 2 = 4(−5)𝑦 Going back to the equation 𝑥 2 = 4𝑝𝑦, we
have to substitute −5 to 𝑝.
2
𝑥 = −20𝑦 Simplify: 4(−5)
Therefore, the equation of the parabola is 𝒙𝟐 = −𝟐𝟎𝒚.

b. Axis of symmetry: It has a vertical axis of symmetry at 𝑥 = 0.

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5. Given:
Equation: 𝑦 2 = 9𝑥; Horizontal axis of symmetry at 𝑦 = 0

Unknown: focus and the directrix

a. Focus: To determine the focus, follow these steps:

i. Determine the value of 𝑝.

4𝑝 = 9 Find the value of 𝑝 by simplifying 4𝑝 to the

given constant.
9
𝑝=4 Divide both sides of the equation by the
numerical coefficient of 𝑝 which is 4.
ii. Determine the form of the given equation.
Since the given equation of the parabola is in the form of 𝑦 2 = 4𝑝𝑥,
4
the focus is in the form (𝑝, 0). Therefore, the focus is (9 , 0).

b. Directrix: To determine the equation of the directrix, follow these steps:

i. Determine the value of 𝑝
9
The value of 𝑝 is 4.

ii. Take the negative of 𝑝 then write it in the form of 𝑥 = 𝑝.

𝑥 = 9/4.
𝟗
The directrix is 𝒙 = − 𝟒.

6. Given:
Equation: Focus; (0,4); Vertical axis of symmetry at 𝑥 = 0

Unknown: Directrix and Equation

a. Directrix: To determine the equation of the directrix, follow these steps:

i. Determine the value of 𝑝
The focus of the parabola is in the form (0, 𝑝). Using the given focus
which is (0,4), the value of 𝑝 is 4.

ii. Take the negative of 𝑝 then write it in the form of 𝑥 = 𝑝.

𝑥 = −4

b. Equation
i. Determine the form of the equation to be used.
Since the focus is in the form (0, 𝑝), the equation of the parabola to
be used is 𝑥 2 = 4𝑝𝑦.

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ii. Substitute the value of 𝑝 to the equation 𝑥 2 = 4𝑝𝑦 and simplify.
𝑥 2 = 4(4)𝑦 Going back to the equation 𝑥 2 = 4𝑝𝑦, we
have to substitute 4 to 𝑝.

𝑥 2 = 16𝑦 Simplify: 4(4)

Therefore, the equation of the parabola is 𝒙𝟐 = 𝟏𝟔𝒚.

Summarizing our answers, we have the completed table below.

Equation Focus Directrix Axis of symmetry

1. 𝑦 2 = 4𝑥 (1,0) 𝑥 = −1 Horizontal (𝑦 = 0)

2. 𝑦 2 = −4𝑥 (−1,0) 𝑥=1 Horizontal (𝑦 = 0)

3. 𝑥 2 = 8𝑦 (0,2) 𝑦 = −2 Vertical (𝑥 = 0)

4. 𝑥 2 = −20𝑦 (0, −5) 𝑦=5 Vertical (𝑥 = 0)

5. 𝑦 2 = 9𝑥 9
(4 , 0) 9 Horizontal (𝑦 = 0)
𝑥=−
4
6. 𝑥 2 = 16𝑦 (0, 4) 𝑦 = −4 Vertical (𝑥 = 0)

Equation of a Parabola with vertex at (𝒉, 𝒌)

To graph parabolas with vertex (ℎ, 𝑘), we use the standard form
(𝑦 − 𝑘)2 = 4𝑝(𝑥 − ℎ), for parabolas that have an axis of symmetry parallel to the x-
axis, and (𝑥 − ℎ)2 = 4𝑝(𝑦 − 𝑘) for parabolas that have an axis of symmetry parallel
to the y-axis.
The table below summarizes the standard features of parabolas with a vertex
at a point (ℎ, 𝑘).

Equation (𝑥 − ℎ)2 = 4𝑝(𝑦 − 𝑘), (𝑦 − 𝑘)2 = 4𝑝(𝑥 − ℎ),

𝑝≠0 𝑝≠0
Focus (ℎ, 𝑘 + 𝑝) (ℎ + 𝑝, 𝑘)
Directrix 𝑦 =𝑘−𝑝 𝑥 =ℎ−𝑝
Axis of symmetry Vertical (𝑥 = ℎ) horizontal(𝑦 = 𝑘)
Opening of the Graph Upward if 𝑝 > 0 To the Right if 𝑝 > 0
Downward if 𝑝 < 0 To the Left if 𝑝 < 0

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Examples:

A. Find the vertex, value of p, axis of symmetry, focus, and directrix of the
following equation of a parabola.

1. (𝑦 + 5)2 = −16(𝑥 − 2)

Solution:

a. Find the vertex ((ℎ, 𝑘).

The given equation is in the form of (𝑦 − 𝑘)2 = 4𝑝(𝑥 − ℎ). In this case the
vertex is (2, −5).
Solution:
𝑥−ℎ =0 𝑦−𝑘 =0
𝑥−2=0 𝑦 − (−5) = 0
𝑥=2 𝑦+5−5= 0−5
𝑦 = −5
b. Find the value of 𝑝.
4𝑝 = −16 Determine the value of 4𝑝.
𝑝 = −4 Simplify by dividing both sides by 4:
4𝑝=−16
4
c. Axis of symmetry:

The axis of symmetry is in the form of 𝑦 = 𝑘. Therefore, the axis of symmetry

is 𝑦 = −5.0

d. Focus:
Since, the given equation is in the form of (𝑦 − 𝑘)2 = 4𝑝(𝑥 − ℎ), the focus
is in the form of (ℎ + 𝑝, 𝑘).
[2 + (−4), −5] Substitute the given value.

(−2, −5) Simplify: 2 + (−4)

e. Directrix:

The directrix is a vertical line in the form 𝑥 = ℎ − 𝑝.

𝑥 = 2 − (−4) Substitute the value of h which is 2
and 𝑝 which is −4.
𝑥=6 Simplify.

Therefore, the parabola (𝒚 + 𝟓)𝟐 = −𝟏𝟔(𝒙 − 𝟐) has a vertex of (𝟐, −𝟓); value of
𝒑 = −𝟒; axis of symmetry of 𝒚 = −𝟓; focus of (−𝟐, −𝟓); and directrix of 𝒙 = 𝟔.

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2. (𝑥 − 8)2 = −2(𝑦 − 4)
a. Find the vertex ((ℎ, 𝑘):

The equation is in the form of (𝑥 − ℎ)2 = 4𝑝(𝑦 − 𝑘). In this case, the value
of ℎ = 8 and 𝑘 = 4.

b. Find 𝑝:

4𝑝 = −2 Determine the value of 4𝑝.

4𝑝=−2
Simplify by dividing both sides by 4
4
1
𝑝 = −2 .

c. Axis of symmetry:
The axis of symmetry is in the form of 𝑥 = ℎ.Therefore, the axis of
symmetry is 𝑥 = 8.

d. Focus:

The focus is in the form (ℎ, 𝑘 + 𝑝).

1
(8, 4 − 2) Substitute the given values. They
1
are ℎ = 8, 𝑘 = 4, 𝑝 = − 2.
7 1
(8, 2) Simplify 4 − 2.

e. Directrix:
The directrix is a horizontal line which is in the form of 𝑦 = 𝑘 − 𝑝. Using the
equation, we have
1
𝑦 = 4 − (− 2) Substitute the given values which are
1
𝑘 = 4 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑝 = − 2.

1 1
𝑦=4+ Simplify 𝑦 = 4 − (− ).
2 2
8+1
𝑦=
2
9
𝑦=2

𝟏
Therefore, the parabola (𝑥 − 8)2 = −2(𝑦 − 4) has a vertex of (𝟖, 𝟒), 𝒑 = − 𝟐; axis
𝟕 𝟗
of symmetry of 𝒙 = 𝟖; focus of (𝟖, 𝟐) ; and directrix of 𝒚 = 𝟐.

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B. Find the standard equation of the Parabola given the following characteristics.

1. Vertex at (4, 2) and focus at (4, −3)

Step 1: Determine the following:
a. The coordinate of the vertex (ℎ, 𝑘)
Vertex:
(ℎ, 𝑘) = (4, 2) Given

b. The orientation of axis of symmetry.

Both the focus and the vertex fall on the axis. Looking at their
coordinates reveals that both fall on the vertical line 𝑥 = 4. Thus, the
orientation of the axis of the parabola is vertical.

c. Value of 𝑝
Use the coordinate of the focus which is in the form of (ℎ, 𝑘 + 𝑝).
Since we are looking for the value of 𝑝, we have to substitute the
given 𝑘 and the y-coordinate of the focus which is −3.
Focus:
(ℎ, 𝑘 + 𝑝) = (4, −3) Given
𝑘 + 𝑝 = −3 Substitute the value of 𝑘 + 𝑝
which is −3.
2 + 𝑝 = −3 Substitute the value of 𝑘 which
is 2.
𝑝 = −3 − 2 Subtract both sides by 2.
𝑝 = −5 Simplify.

Step 2: Substitute the values for ℎ, 𝑘, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑝 into the equation of a parabola
with a vertical axis of symmetry.
(𝑥 − ℎ)2 = 4𝑝(𝑦 − 𝑘) Equation of parabola with
vertical axis of symmetry.
2
(𝑥 − 4) = 4(−5)(𝑦 − 2) Substitute the value of
𝑘, 𝑝, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ℎ.

(𝑥 − 4)2 = −20(𝑦 − 2) Simplify.

Therefore, the standard equation of the parabola with vertex at (𝟒, 𝟐) and focus
at (𝟒, −𝟑) is (𝒙 − 𝟒)𝟐 = −𝟐𝟎(𝒚 − 𝟐).

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2.Vertex at (4, 1) and directrix of 𝑥 = −3

Step 1: Determine the following:

a. The coordinate of the vertex (ℎ, 𝑘)

Vertex:
(ℎ, 𝑘) = (4, 1) Given

b. The axis of symmetry

The directrix is always perpendicular to the axis of symmetry.
Since the directrix is given as 𝑥 = −3, a vertical line, then the
axis of symmetry is a horizontal line.

c. Value of 𝑝
Use the given directrix, 𝑥 = ℎ − 𝑝, which is 𝑥 = −3.
Directrix: 𝑥 = ℎ − 𝑝
𝑥 = −3 Given directrix.
ℎ − 𝑝 = −3 Substitute the given directrix.
4 − 𝑝 = −3 Substitute the value of ℎwhich
is 4.
−𝑝 = −3 −4 Subtract both sides by 4.
−𝑝 = −7 Simplify.
𝑝=7 Multiply both sides by −1.

Step 2: Substitute the values for ℎ, 𝑘, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑝 into the equation of a parabola
with a horizontal axis of symmetry.

(𝑦 − 𝑘)2 = 4𝑝(𝑥 − ℎ) Equation of parabola with

horizontal axis of symmetry.
(𝑦 − 1)2 = 4(7)(𝑥 − 4) Substitute the value of
𝑘, 𝑝, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ℎ.

(𝑦 − 1)2 = 28(𝑥 − 4) Simplify.

Therefore, the standard equation of the parabola with vertex at (𝟒, 𝟏) and
directrix of 𝒙 = −𝟑 is (𝒚 − 𝟏)𝟐 = 𝟐𝟖(𝒙 − 𝟒).

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What’s More

Activity 1:

A. Write the standard form of the equation of the parabola with the given
focus or directrix and vertex at (0,0).

1. Focus (0, 3) Equation: ________________________

2. Focus (5, 0) Equation: ________________________

3. Focus (−6, 0) Equation: ________________________

4. Directrix: 𝑦 = −4 Equation: ________________________

5. Directrix: 𝑥 = −4 Equation: ________________________

B. Identify the focus and directrix of the parabola.

1. 3𝑥 2 = −𝑦 focus: ______________ directrix: ________________

2. 𝑦 2 = −16𝑥 focus: ______________ directrix: ________________

3. 2𝑦 2 = 𝑥 focus: ______________ directrix: ________________

4. 𝑥 2 = −36𝑦 focus: ______________ directrix: ________________

5. 𝑥 2 = 8𝑦 focus: ______________ directrix: ________________

Activity 2:
A. Find the vertex, p, axis of symmetry, focus, directrix of the following
equation of a parabola.
1. (𝑦 + 5)2 = −8(𝑥 − 3)
Vertex: __________________________
p: __________________________
Axis of symmetry: __________________________
Focus: __________________________
Directrix: __________________________

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2. (𝑥 − 4)2 = 2(𝑦 − 2)
Vertex: __________________________
p: ` __________________________
Axis of symmetry: __________________________
Focus: __________________________
Directrix: __________________________

3. (𝑥 + 4)2 = 4(𝑦 − 2)
Vertex: __________________________
p: __________________________
Axis of symmetry: __________________________
Focus: __________________________
Directrix: __________________________

4. (𝑥 − 3)2 = −12(𝑦 + 5)
Vertex: __________________________
p: __________________________
Axis of symmetry: __________________________
Focus: __________________________
Directrix: __________________________

5. (𝑦 − 5)2 = 6(𝑥 + 3)
Vertex: __________________________
p: __________________________
Axis of symmetry: __________________________
Focus: __________________________
Directrix: __________________________

What I Have Learned

Instruction: Answer the following questions below.

1. By using the standard form of a parabola’s equation, how can you tell which
direction a parabola opens?
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________.

2. How does knowing the value of p help you in finding the focus and the directrix
of a parabola?
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________.

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What I Can Do

Instruction: Read the problem carefully and answer the questions that follow.
The cables of a suspension bridge are in the shape of a parabola. The towers
supporting the cable are 400 feet apart and 105 feet high. The cables are at a height
of 15 feet midway between the towers.

Questions/Tasks:
1. Draw a tower with its cable Locate the origin of a rectangular coordinate system
at the center of the roadway. Label the coordinates of the known points.

2. Write an equation that models the cable.

3. What is the height of the cable at a point 45 feet from the center of the bridge?

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Post-Assessment

INSTRUCTION: Choose the best answer. Write the letter of your choice in CAPITAL
LETTERS on the space provided.

_____1. What do we call the set of all points (𝑥, 𝑦) that are equidistant from a
fixed line and a fixed point not on the line?
a. circle b. ellipse c. hyperbola d. parabola

_____2. A parabola is the set of all points in a plane that are equidistant from a
fixed line and a fixed point, called the ____________.
a. y-axis c. directrix
b. x-axis d. focus

_____3. What is the opening of the graph of the equation of a parabola

𝑥 2 = 60𝑦?
a. upward b. downward c. to the left d. to the right

_____4. Which equation of the parabola opens to the right when graphed?

a. 𝑦 − 2𝑥 2 = 6 c. 𝑥 − 2𝑦 2 = 6
b. 𝑦 + 2𝑥 2 = 6 d. 𝑥 + 2𝑦 2 = 6

_____5. Which equation of the parabola opens to the left when graphed?

a. 𝑦 − 2𝑥 2 = 6 c. 𝑥 − 2𝑦 2 = 6
b. 4𝑦 + 2𝑥 2 = 6 d. 4𝑥 + 2𝑦 2 = 6

_____6. Which equation of the parabola opens downward when graphed?

a. 𝑦 − 2𝑥 2 = 6 c. 𝑥 − 2𝑦 2 = 6
b. 𝑦 + 2𝑥 2 = 6 d. 𝑥 + 2𝑦 2 = 6

_____7. What is the distance from the focus to the vertex of a parabola with
equation 𝑥 2 = 8𝑦?
a. 1 b. 2 c. 3 d. 4

_____8. What is the focus of the parabola with equation 2𝑥 2 = 120𝑦?

a. (0,60) b. (0, 15) c. (0, −15) d. (0, −60)

_____9. What is the directrix of the parabola with equation 𝑦 2 = 24𝑥?

a. 𝑥 = 6 b. 𝑥 = −6 c. 𝑦 = 6 d. 𝑦 = −6

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_____10. What is the axis of symmetry of 𝑦 2 = 24𝑥?

a. 𝑥 = 0 b. 𝑦 = 0 c. 𝑥 = 1 d. 𝑦 = 1

_____11. What is the value of 𝑝 of the parabola (𝑦 + 5)2 = −16(𝑥 − 2)?

a. −16 b. −4 c. 4 d. 16

_____12. Which of the following is the axis of symmetry of the equation of a

parabola (𝑦 + 5)2 = −16(𝑥 − 2)?
a. 𝑥 = −5 b. 𝑦 = −5 c. 𝑥 = 2 d. 𝑦 = 2

_____13. Which of the following is the vertex of the parabola

(𝑦 + 5)2 = −16(𝑥 − 2)?
a. (5, 2) b. (2, 5) c. (2, −5) d. (−5, 2)

_____14. What is the directrix of the parabola (𝑥 − 8)2 = −2(𝑦 − 4)?

9 9 7 7
a. 𝑦 = b. 𝑦 = − c. 𝑥 = d. 𝑥 = −
2 2 2 2

_____15. Find the focus of the parabola (𝑥 − 8)2 = −2(𝑦 − 4).

9 9 7 7
a. (8, 2) b. (8, − 2) c. (8, 2) d. (8, − 2)

Additional Activity

Find the standard form of the equation of the parabola with the given
characteristics.

3
1. Vertex: (−2, 0); focus: (− 2 , 0)

Equation: ________________________________________
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2. Vertex: (3, −3); focus: (3, − 4)

Equation: ________________________________________
3. Vertex: (5, 2); focus: (3,2)
Equation: ________________________________________
4. Vertex: (0, 4); directrix: 𝑦 = 2
Equation: ________________________________________
5. Vertex: (−2, 1); directrix: 𝑥 = 1
Equation: _______________________________________

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REFERENCES

Bellman, Allan, Et.al. (2005). Advanced Algebra. South Asia.Pearson Education,Inc

Burger, E.(2007). Algebra 2. United States of America:Holt, Rinhart and Winston Inc.
Larson, Ron. (2012). Precalculus:Real Mathematics, Real People,”Sixth Edition.
Parabolas with Vertices at the Origin. Retrieved from https://courses.
lumenlearning.com/waymakercollegealgebra/chapter/graphing-parabolas-with-
vertices-at-the-origin/

Parabola: Standard Equation. Retrieved from https://www.softschools.com/math/

pre_calculus/parabola_standard_equation/

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