Precalculus:: A Self-Learning Module For STEM 11
Precalculus:: A Self-Learning Module For STEM 11
Module 2:
Conic Section - Parabola
Department of Education
Schools Division Office – Bayawan City
Bayawan National High School – Senior High School Department
Brgy. Villareal, Bayawan City 6221, Negros Oriental
Every effort has been made to acknowledge original sources and to comply
with copyright law. If cases are identified where this has not been done, please
notify Bayawan NHS-SHS. Errors or omissions will be corrected in a future
edition. Sincere thanks to the authors, artists, and publishers who allowed
their original material to be used.
All other illustrations in this module are digitally sketched by the author.
INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................... iii
GENERAL CONTENT OF THE COURSE ......................................................................................... iii
MODULE CONTENT ............................................................................................................................. iii
ABOUT THE CURRENT MODULE .................................................................................................... iv
REMINDERS IN USING THIS MODULE ............................................................................................ v
WHAT I NEED TO KNOW? ................................................................................................................ 1
WHAT I KNOW? ..................................................................................................................................... 1
WHAT’S IN? ............................................................................................................................................. 4
WHAT’S NEW? ....................................................................................................................................... 4
ACTIVITY M2–1.1: Measure Me! ....................................................................................................... 4
WHAT IS IT? ........................................................................................................................................... 5
WHAT’S MORE? .................................................................................................................................. 13
ACTIVITY M2–1.2: Try Me ................................................................................................................. 13
ACTIVITY M2–1.3: The Reverse ...................................................................................................... 13
WHAT’S I HAVE LEARNED? .......................................................................................................... 14
WHAT’S I CAN DO? ........................................................................................................................... 15
ASSESSMENT ...................................................................................................................................... 15
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY .................................................................................................................. 15
ANSWER KEYS .................................................................................................................................... 16
REFERENCES ....................................................................................................................................... 19
Problem solving, communication, reasoning, and mental math are some of the themes you
will discover in each module. You will engage in a variety of activities that promote the
connections between symbolic math ideas and the world around you.
There are three main areas that you will be exploring: Analytic Geometry in Two
Dimensions, Discrete Mathematics, and Trigonometry.
MODULE CONTENT
This module has the following main parts:
WHAT I NEED TO KNOW? This will give you an idea of the skills or competencies you are expected
to learn in the module.
WHAT’S IN? This is a brief drill or review to help you link the current lesson with the
previous one.
WHAT’S NEW? In this portion, the new lesson will be introduced to you in various ways
such as a story, a song, a poem, a problem opener, an activity or a
situation.
WHAT IS IT? This section provides a brief discussion of the lesson. This aims to help
you discover and understand new concepts and skills.
WHAT’S MORE? This comprises activities for independent practice to solidify your
understanding and skills of the topic. You may check the answers to the
exercises using the Answer Key at the end of the module.
WHAT I CAN DO? This section provides an activity which will help you transfer your new
knowledge or skill into real life situations or concerns.
ASSESSMENT This is a task which aims to evaluate your level of mastery in achieving
the learning competency.
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES In this portion, another activity will be given to you to enrich your
knowledge or skill of the lesson learned. This also tends retention of
learned concepts.
You will take the pre-assessment test at the start of this module to see how much
background information and knowledge you have in the current topic.
This module is self-instructional. You can read, analyze concepts and ideas presented, and
reflect on them. Activities will help you assess how you progress as you go through the
module. Should you need help and further clarification, you can ask the assistance of your
subject teacher.
Write your answers and solutions (if applicable) to the pre-assessment, activities and
exercises on a notebook dedicated to precalculus (you may call it Precalculus Formative
Assessment Notebook). This notebook will be submitted to your subject teacher as part of
your formative evaluation (to be submitted once on midterm, and again on finals).
This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you master the key
concepts of conic sections – specifically on parabolas. The scope of this module permits it to be
used in many different learning situations. The language used recognizes the diverse vocabulary
level of students. The lessons are arranged to follow the standard sequence of the course.
WHAT I KNOW?
Instructions: Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on your Precalculus
Formative Assessment Notebook. If applicable, show your solutions as well.
1. Which of the following best defines a parabola?
a. A curve where all points are at an c. A curve where any point is at an equal
equal distance form two fixed points. distance form a fixed point and a fixed
straight line.
b. A curve where a point is at an equal d. A curve where all points are at varied
distance form a fixed point and a fixed distance form a fixed point and a fixed
straight line. straight line.
2. What is the name of the line and the point that a parabola is created from?
a. The line is the directrix and the point is c. The line is the mirror and the points are
the focus the locus
b. The line is the asymptote and the point d. The line is the axis and the point is the
is the focus pin
a. c.
b. d.
13. Find the vertex and the equation of the axis of symmetry for 𝑦 1 2𝑥
a. Vertex at: 1, 2 c. Vertex at: 1, 0
Axis of symmetry: 𝑥 1 Axis of symmetry: 𝑥 0
b. Vertex at: 0, 1 d. Vertex at: 1, 1
Axis of symmetry: 𝑥 0 Axis of symmetry: 𝑥 1
14. Find the axis of symmetry and the vertex of the parabola given by the following equation:
𝑦 2𝑥 28𝑥 6
a. Vertex at: 7, 92 c. Vertex at: 7, 92
Axis of symmetry: 𝑥 7 Axis of symmetry: 𝑥 7
b. Vertex at: 7, 92 d. Vertex at: 7, 92
Axis of symmetry: 𝑥 7 Axis of symmetry: 𝑥 7
WHAT’S IN?
Distance formula
Rules for adding, subtracting, multiplying and
dividing fractions and algebraic expressions,
Figure 2.1
real numbers
WHAT’S NEW?
Measure Me!
Instructions:
Measure distances A and B for each marked point (color blue) using a ruler (with unit’s
cm or mm). Record the measurements on your activity notebook in tabular manner as
shown in Activity Table M2.1-1.
Definition:
Distance A The vertical distance, perpendicular to the stationary line,
between the marked points (color blue) and the red dots on
the stationary line.
Distance B The distance between the marked points (color blue) to the
fixed-point F.
Marked Points Points marked from 0 – 10 (color blue).
Guide Questions
2. What can you say about the recorded measurements of Distance A and Distance
B at each marked point?
3. How would you describe the shape of the curve if you are to connect or trace the
marked points?
WHAT IS IT?
From Activity M2-1.1, we can define a parabola as a curve where all set of points in a
plane is at an equal distance from a fixed point (FOCUS) and a fixed line (DIRECTRIX).
The line through the focus and perpendicular to the directrix is called the AXIS of the
parabola, and the point where the parabola crosses its axis is called the VERTEX. The
chord drawn through the focus and perpendicular to the axis of the parabola is called the
LATUS RECTUM. The AXIS OF SYMMETRY is the line divides the parabola into two
parts which are mirror images of each other. (see Figure 2.2).
Let us derive the formula of a parabola that is facing upward with vertex at the origin as shown in
Figure 2.3. Always keep in mind that by definition, a parabola is a set of all points P(x, y) which
are equidistant from a fixed-point F(0, a) and a fixed line D(x, -a). Note that “a” is that distance
from the focus F to vertex V, and vertex V to the directrix D. From the figure, PF = PD = d. Using
distance formula, we get:
Example M2–1.1
Which of the following equations represents a parabola that opens up?
a. 𝑦 𝑥 c. 𝑥 𝑦
b. 𝑦 𝑥 d. 𝑥 𝑦
Answer: a
Explanation:
Refer to
Table 2.1. Note that there are only two cases for a parabola that opens upward, these are
Cases 1 and 5. For a parabola to face upward the x-variable in the equation is always
squared, hence, the most viable choices in this example are a and b. Another thing to
consider is the sign associated with the y variable. Note that for all cases where a parabola
is facing upwards, the y-variable is always positive.
Our best choice and the standard equation on which we will base our final answer may seem
different at first glance. But if we rewrite the best choice in the following manner:
Notice that the final answer now closely resembles the standard equation. Note that in this
particular problem, 4a = 1. Therefore, the correct answer is letter a.
Example M2–1.2
Find the properties of the following parabola. Then draw the figure.
𝑥 8𝑦
Solution:
Step 1. Rewrite the given expression into standard equation form (for this
particular problem, we don’t need to do so).
Example M2–1.3
Find the properties of the following parabola. Then draw the figure.
𝑥 12𝑦
Solution:
Step 1. Rewrite the given expression into standard equation form (for this
particular problem, we don’t need to do so).
Step 2. Identify “4a”
Given: Standard form (case 2)
𝑥 12𝑦 𝑥 4𝑎𝑦
Hence,
4𝑎 12
Step 3. Solve for “a”
4𝑎 12
12
𝑎
4
𝑎 3
Example M2–1.4
Find the properties of the following parabola. Then draw the figure.
𝑦 3𝑥 0
Solution:
Step 1. Rewrite the given expression into standard equation form.
Tip: Keep all squared terms on the left side and move the remaining
terms to the right side of the equation.
𝑦 3𝑥 0
𝑦 3𝑥
Step 2. Identify “4a”
Given: Standard form (case 3)
𝑦 3𝑥 𝑦 4𝑎𝑥
Hence,
4𝑎 3
Step 3. Solve for “a”
4𝑎 3
3
𝑎
4
Step 4. Refer to Table 2.1.
Opening: To the right
Vertex, V: 0, 0
Focus, F: 𝑎, 0 , therefore
3
,0
4
Step 5. Graph
Example M2–1.5
Find the properties of the following parabola. Then draw the figure.
𝑦 4𝑥 0
Solution:
Step 1. Rewrite the given expression into standard equation form.
Tip: Keep all squared terms on the left side and move the remaining
terms to the right side of the equation.
𝑦 4𝑥 0
𝑦 4𝑥
Step 2. Identify “4a”
Given: Standard form (case 4)
𝑦 4𝑥 𝑦 4𝑎𝑥
Hence,
4𝑎 4
Step 3. Solve for “a”
4𝑎 4
𝑎 1
Step 4. Refer to Table 2.1.
Opening: To the left
Vertex, V: 0, 0
Focus, F: 𝑎, 0 , therefore
1, 0
Ends of 𝑎, 2𝑎 and 𝑎, 2𝑎 , therefore
LT: 1, 2 1 and 1, 2 1
1, 2 and 1, 2
Directrix: 𝑥 𝑎, therefore
𝑥 1
Example M2–1.6
Find the properties of the following parabola. Then draw the figure.
𝑦 6𝑦 4𝑥 5 0
Solution:
Step 1. Rewrite the given expression into standard equation form.
Tip: Keep all squared terms (including the single variable similar to the
one being squared) on the left side and move the remaining terms to
the right side of the equation.
𝑦 6𝑦 4𝑥 5 0
𝑦 6𝑦 4𝑥 5
Step 2. Completing the square (review your notes on Module 1).
6 6
𝑦 6𝑦 4𝑥 5
2 2
𝑦 6𝑦 3 4𝑥 5 3
𝑦 6𝑦 9 4𝑥 5 9
Step 3. Evaluate and factor
𝑦 6𝑦 9 4𝑥 4
𝑦 3 4 𝑥 1
Step 4. Identify “4a”
Given: Standard form (case 7)
𝑦 3 4 𝑥 1 𝑦 𝑘 4𝑎 𝑥 ℎ
Hence,
4𝑎 4
Step 5. Solve for “a”
4𝑎 4
𝑎 1
Step 6. Refer to Table 2.1
Opening: To the right
Vertex, V: 1, 3
Focus, F: ℎ 𝑎, 𝑘 , therefore
1 1, 3
0, 3
Ends of ℎ 𝑎, 𝑘 2𝑎 and ℎ 𝑎, 𝑘 2𝑎 , therefore
LT: 1 1, 3 2 1 and 1 1, 3 2 1
0, 5 and 0, 1
Example M2–1.7
Find the properties of the following parabola. Then draw the figure.
𝑥 4𝑦 8𝑥 4 0
Solution:
Step 1. Rewrite the given expression into standard equation form.
Tip: Keep all squared terms (including the single variable similar to the
one being squared) on the left side and move the remaining terms to
the right side of the equation.
𝑥 4𝑦 8𝑥 4 0
𝑥 8𝑥 4𝑦 4
Step 2. Completing the square (review your notes on Module 1).
8 8
𝑥 8𝑥 4𝑦 4
2 2
𝑥 8𝑥 4 4𝑦 4 4
𝑥 8𝑥 16 4𝑦 4 16
Step 3. Evaluate and factor
𝑥 8𝑥 16 4𝑦 12
𝑥 4 4 𝑦 3
WHAT’S MORE?
Try Me
Directions: Determine the focus and directrix of the parabola with the given equation. Sketch
the graph, and indicate the focus, directrix, vertex, and axis of symmetry.
1. 𝑥 12𝑦
2. 𝑥 6𝑦 0
The Reverse
1. Find the standard equation of the parabola with focus F(0, -1.5) and directrix y=1.5.
2. Find the standard equation of the parabola with focus F(-3.5, 0) and directrix x=3.5.
Directions: Answer what is asked. Write your answers on your activity notebook.
1. Give the definition of the following:
a. Parabola
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b. Axis of symmetry
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c. Latus rectum
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d. Focus
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e. Vertex
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f. Directrix
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2. Write down the steps in determining the properties of the following parabola:
𝑦 6𝑦 4𝑥 17 0
3. Write down the indications/descriptions on how a parabola is oriented based on its
equation.
Upward Downward To the right To the left
Directions: Solve the following. Write your answers and solutions on your activity notebook.
A. Determine the vertex, focus, directrix, and axis of symmetry of the parabola with the given
equation. Sketch the graph, and include these points and lines.
1. 𝑥 4𝑦
2. 𝑥 6𝑥 8𝑦 7
3. 𝑦 5 𝑥
B. Find the standard equation of the parabola which satisfies the given conditions.
1. Vertex (1, -9), Focus (-3, -9)
2. Vertex (-8, 3), Directrix x = –10.5
3. Vertex (-4, 2), Focus (-4, -1)
ASSESSMENT
Directions: Solve the following. Write your answers and solutions on your activity notebook.
A. Determine the vertex, focus, directrix, and axis of symmetry of the parabola with the given
equation. Sketch the graph, and include these points and lines.
1. 3𝑦 24𝑥
2. 𝑦 12𝑥 8𝑦 40
3. 16𝑥 72𝑥 112𝑦 221
B. Find the standard equation of the parabola which satisfies the given conditions.
1. Focus (7, 11), Directrix x = 1
2. Focus (7, 11), Directrix y = 4
3. Vertex (-5, -7), vertical axis of symmetry, through point P(7, 11)
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY
Directions: Solve the following. Write your answers and solutions on your activity notebook.
1. A Satellite dish shaped like a paraboloid, has diameter 2.4 ft and depth 0.9 ft. If the
receiver is placed at the focus, how far should the receiver be from the vertex?
Demana, F. D., Waits, B. K., Foley, G. D., & Kennedy, D. (2011). Precalculus: Graphical, Numerical,
Algebraic. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.