MODULE 2

Parabola: Its Definition and Graph

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In this module, we will study the concepts in analytic geometry that you
will need when you take up calculus next semester. We will discuss the definition,
and graphs of parabolas given the equation in standard form
.

Reminders in using this module:

1. Read the instruction carefully before doing each task.
2. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and checking your answers.
3. Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next.
4. If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this module, do not
hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator. Always bear in mind that you
are not alone.
5. Only the separate worksheet will be submitted to the teacher on specified
date of submission.

We hope that through this material, you will experience meaningful learning and
gain deep understanding of the relevant competencies. You can do it!
 Getting Started
Pre-Assessment Choose the letter of the correct answer. Write it on the space provided before
each number. Use CAPITAL LETTERS only.
____ 1. It is defined as the set of all points such that the distance from a point on the parabola to a
focus is the same as the distance from the same point on the parabola to a fixed line called
directrix.
a. Circle b. Parabola c. Ellipse d. Hyperbola
____ 2. The path traversed by the drinking water fountain illustrates what conic section?
a. Ellipse b. Hyperbola c. Parabola d. Circle
____ 3. A conic section with one focus is called _____.
a. Circle b. Parabola c. Ellipse d. Hyperbola
____ 4. Which is true of the following statements about the graph of parabola?
a. If the graph opens upward then the vertex is in the origin.
b. If the graph opens upward then the vertex is in the highest point.
c. If the graph opens upward then the vertex is everywhere.
d. If the graph opens upward then the vertex is in the lowest point.

____ 5. The following statements about the vertex of the parabola are true, EXCEPT
a. The vertex of a parabola is equal to the center of the circle.
b. The vertex is either the highest or the lowest points of the graph.
c. The vertex of the parabola can be the origin with (0, 0) coordinates.
c. The vertex is a point within the graph of the parabola.

_____ 6. Which is true with the relationship of directrix and focus?

a. Any point from the parabola has the same distance from the focus as it has point from
the directrix
b. Directrix has longer length than the focus.
c. The directrix and the focus will never have the same distance from any points including
the vertex.
d. They are not related with each other
_____ 7. What does the value of 4c mean in the parabola x2 = 4cy?
a. Focal length c. Length of the latus rectum
b. Length of the major axis d. Distance from vertex to directrix
For items 8 to 10, refer to the choices below.
A. Axis of Symmetry C. Latus Rectum
B. Directrix D. Focus
_____ 8. Which line does not pass through the focus?
_____ 9. Which line passes through the focus and two points on the parabola?
____ 10. Which is not a line?
For items 11-14, refer to the figure at the right.
____ 11. Point F is called
a. Focus b. Latus Rectum c. Directrix d. Vertex
____ 12. Point V is called
a. Focus b. Latus Rectum c. Directrix d. Vertex
____ 13. Line x is called
a. Latus Rectum b. Directrix c. Vertex d. Axis of symmetry
____ 14. Line y is called
a. Latus Rectum b. Directrix c. Vertex d. Axis of symmetry
Content Standard
The learners demonstrate an understanding of key concepts of conic sections and systems of
nonlinear equations.

Performance Standard
The learner shall be able to model situations appropriately and solve problems accurately using conic
sections and systems of nonlinear equations.

Learning Objectives
At the end of this module, the students are expected to
 Define a parabola.
 Graph a parabola given an equation in vertex form or standard form.

2.1 Definition of a Parabola

A parabola is one of the conic sections. We have already seen parabolas which open upward or
downward, as graph off quadratic equations. Here, we will see parabolas opening to the left or right.

Activity 2.1.1: What Am I?

In this activity, let’s review your knowledge on some terms that you have encountered on the
series of modules you had taken up. Unscramble the letters to create a word related to conic
sections.

Activity 2.1.2: Find Me!

Enclose the word/s that are related or associated to parabola. The words can be in a cross,
downward or upward directions.
 Let’s Dig Deeper!

Consider the point 𝐹𝐹(0,2) and the line 𝑙𝑙 having the equation 𝑦𝑦 = −2, as shown in figure 1. What
are the distances of 𝐴𝐴(4,2) from 𝐹𝐹 and from l? (The latter is taken as the distance of 𝐴𝐴 from 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴, the
point on 𝑙𝑙 closest 𝐴𝐴). How about the distances of 𝐵𝐵(−6.5,5.5) from 𝐹𝐹 and from 𝑙𝑙 (from 𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵)?

Let F be a given point, and 𝑙𝑙 a given line not containing 𝐹𝐹. The set of all points 𝑃𝑃 such that its
distances from F and from 𝑙𝑙 are the same, is called a parabola. The point F is its focus and the line
𝒍𝒍 its directrix. Consider a parabola with focus F(0,c) and directrix 𝑙𝑙 having equation 𝑦𝑦 = −𝑐𝑐. See figure
2. The focus and directrix are c units above and below, respectively, the origin. Let P(x,y) be a point
in the parabola so 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 = 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃, where 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃 is the point on 𝑙𝑙 closest to P. The point P has to be on the same
side of directrix as the focus (if P was below, it would be closer to 𝑙𝑙 than it is from F).

The vertex V is the point midway between the focus and the directrix. This equation 𝑥𝑥2 = 4𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐, is
one of the standard equations of a parabola opening upward with vertex at the origin. Its graph is
shown in Figure 3. If the parabola opens downward, then its equation is simply x2 = – 4cy.
 In Figure 3, the parabola has the following parts: 1) vertex V, 2) focus F, 3) directrix l, 4) axis of
symmetry x = 0 or y-axis, and 5) latus rectum MN. From the equation and graph presented above, we
will determine the different features of the parabola:
1. Vertex: point 𝑽𝑽
If the parabola opens upward, then the vertex is the lowest point. If the parabola opens
downward, then the vertex is the highest point.
2. Directrix: line l
The line that is c units directly away from the vertex.
3. Focus: point 𝑽𝑽
A point inside the parabola that is c units away from the vertex.
4. Axis of Symmetry: y-axis
The line which divides the parabola into two parts which mirror images from each other.
5. Latus Rectum: MN
Line segment that passes through the focus and perpendicular to the axis of symmetry and
has endpoints on the curve.

Activity 2.1.3: Remember Me!

Let’s recall all the topics you have learned so far. Provide the correct answer for each blank.
1. A conic section that is defined such that the distance from a point on the _______ to a focus
point is the same as the distance from the same point on the _______ to a fixed line called the
directrix. The standard equation of ___________ which opens upward is given by the equation
__________________.
2. The standard equation of parabola which opens downward and with vertex at the origin is given
by the equation ___________.

3. Considered as the lowest point if the graph opens upward and the highest point if the graph
opens downward. ____________.

4. The _____________ which is c units below or above the vertex.

5. Any point on the parabola has the same distance from ________ as it has from the directrix.
6. This is the line that divides the graph of the parabola into two which are mirror images of each
other. ___________________________

7. Line segment that passes through the focus and perpendicular to the axis of symmetry and has
endpoints on the curve is called __________________.

2.2 Graph a Parabola Given an Equation in Standard Form

Prerequisite Skills To be successful in this lesson, you’ll need to equip yourself with the
concepts on completing the square, writing equation of a parabola in vertex/ standard form, and
plotting points on the Cartesian plane.

Solve and Sketch Me!

Example 1.
Determine the focus and directrix of the parabolas whose equations are (1) x2 = 12y and
(2) x2 = –6y. Sketch the graph and indicate the focus, directrix, vertex, and axis of symmetry.
Solution:
(1) The vertex is V (0, 0) and the parabola opens upward since its positive. From 4c = 12,
dividing both sides by 4, c = 3. The focus, c = 3 units above the vertex, is F (0, 3). The directrix, 3
units below the vertex, is y = – 3. The axis of symmetry is x = 0. See Figure 1.

Figure 1 Figure 2
(2) The vertex is V (0, 0) and the parabola opens downward since its negative. From 4c = 6,
dividing both sides by 4, c = 3/2. The focus, c = 3/2 units above the vertex, is F (0, -3/2). The
directrix, 3/2 units above the vertex, is y = 3/2. The axis of symmetry is x = 0. See figure 2.

Let’s Go Beyond!

The parabolas we considered so far are “vertical” and have their vertices at the origin. Some
parabolas open instead horizontally (to the left or right), and some have vertices not at the origin.
Their standard equations are shown in the figure below.

In all four cases below, we assume that c>0. The vertex is V (h, k), and it lies between the focus
F and the directrix. The focus F is c units away from the vertex V, and the directrix is c units away
from the vertex. Recall that, for any point on the parabola, its distance from the focus is the same
as its distance from the directrix.
Key Concepts Standard Forms of Equations of Parabolas with vertex at (h, k)
Other forms of equations of parabolas are:
x2 = 4cy, Standard form of finding c.
(x – h)2 = 4c (y – k), If c > 0, the parabola opens upward.
If c < 0, the parabola opens downward.
(y – k)2 = 4c (x – h), If c > 0, the parabola opens to the right.
If c < 0, the parabola opens to the left.

Example 2.
Determine the vertex, focus, directrix, and axis of symmetry of the parabola with the given
equations below. Sketch the parabolas.
A. x2 – 6x – 2y + 9 = 0
Solution:
First, you should write the equation in standard form.
That is
x2 – 6x – 2y + 9 = 0
x2 – 6x = 2y – 9 by transposition
x – 6x + __ = 2y – 9
2

x2 – 6x + 9 = 2y by completing the square

(x – 3)2 = 2y by factoring

Therefore,
Vertex: (h, k)=V(3, 0)
1 1
Focus: (h, k + c) = F(3, ) Directrix: y = k – c or –
2 2
4c = 2 Axis of Symmetry: x = h or 3
1 Figure 3
c= See Figure 3
2

B. 3y2 + 8x + 24y + 40 = 0
Solution:
Again, you should write first the equation in standard form.
That is
3y2 + 8x + 24y + 40 = 0
3y2 + 24y = –8x – 40 by transposition
3(y2 + 8y) = –8x – 40
3(y2 + 8y + ___) = –8x – 40
3(y2 + 8y + 16) =– 8x – 40 + 48 by completing the
square
3(y + 4)2 = –8x + 8 by factoring
3(y + 4)2 = –8(x + 1) by factoring
8
(y + 4)2 = – (x – 1) by dividing both
3
sides by 3.
Therefore,
Vertex: (h, k) = V(1, -4), parabola opens to the left
1 5
Focus: (h – c, k) = F( , -4 ) Directrix: (h + c)= x =
3 3
8
4c = Axis of Symmetry: y = k or -4 Figure 4
3
2
c= See figure 4 Figure 4
3
Example 3
Sketch the graph of (y + 6)2 = 5(x + 4) and determine the vertex, focus, axis of symmetry, and the
directrix of the parabola.

Solution:
The equation is already in standard form
and the squared term is y, which means that
the parabola opens horizontally and since c is
positive, it opens to the right. The equation is
in the form (y – k)2 = 4c(x – h), therefore
h = -4
k = -6
c = 5/4 or 1.25
Vertex: (h, k) = V(-4, -6)
Focus: (h + c, k) = F(-2.75, -6)
Directrix: x = h – c or y = -5.25
Axis of symmetry: y = k or y = -6
Figure 5
See Figure 5

Example 4.
Determine the vertex, focus, directrix, and axis of symmetry of 5x2 + 30x + 24y = 51. Sketch the
parabola.

Solution:
Again, we write the equation in standard form by
completing the square on x and move y to the other side.
5x2 + 30x = –24y + 51
5(x2 + 6x + ___) = –24y + 51
5(x2 + 6x + 9) = –24y + 51 + 5(9)
5(x + 3)2 = –24y + 96
5(x + 3)2 = –24(y – 4)
24
(x + 3)2 = – (y – 4) Divide both sides by 5
5
Therefore:
h = -3
k=4
24 24 6
4c = ,c= or or 1.2
5 20 5
Vertex: (h, k) = V(-3, 4), opens downward
Focus: (h, k – c) = F(-3, 2.8)
Directrix: y = k + c or y = 5.2
Axis of symmetry: x = h or x = -3
See Figure 6
Figure 6
 Show What You’ve Learned!

Exercise 1
Write each equation of a parabola in standard form (y – k)2 = 4c (x – h) or (x – h)2 = 4c (y – k).

1. y2 + 8x – 6y + 25 = 0 _________________________________
2. x2 + 2x + 12y + 37 = 0 _________________________________
3. x2 – 8x – 6y – 8 = 0 _________________________________
4. y2 – 5x + 12 y = – 16 _________________________________
5. x2 – 18y + 12x = 126 _________________________________

Exercise 2
Determine the vertex, focus, directrix, and axis of symmetry of the equations below. Sketch the
parabolas.
C. x2 – 18y + 12x = 126
Vertex: ______
Focus: _______
Directrix: _______
Axis of Symmetry: _______

D. –72 = 2y2 – 16y – 20x

Vertex: ______
Focus: _______
Directrix: _______
Axis of Symmetry: _______

Post-Assessment Choose the letter of the correct answer. Write it on the space provided
before each number. Use CAPITAL LETTERS only.
_____ 1. Which is true with the relationship of directrix and focus?
a. Any point from the parabola has the same distance from the focus as it has point from
the directrix
b. Directrix has longer length than the focus.
c. The directrix and the focus will never have the same distance from any points including
the vertex.
d. They are not related with each other
_____ 2. What does the value of 4c mean in the parabola x2 = 4cy?
a. Focal length c. Length of the latus rectum
b. Length of the major axis d. Distance from vertex to directrix
For items 3 to 5, refer to the choices below.
A. Axis of Symmetry C. Latus Rectum
B. Directrix D. Focus
_____ 3. Which line does not pass through the focus?
_____ 4. Which line passes through the focus and two points on the parabola?
____ 5. Which is not a line?
For items 6 -9, refer to the figure at the right.
____ 6. Point F is called
b. Focus b. Latus Rectum c. Directrix d. Vertex
____ 7. Point V is called
b. Focus b. Latus Rectum c. Directrix d. Vertex
____ 8. Line x is called
b. Latus Rectum b. Directrix c. Vertex d. Axis of symmetry
____ 9. Line y is called
b. Latus Rectum b. Directrix c. Vertex d. Axis of symmetry
____ 10. It is defined as the set of all points such that the distance from a point on the parabola to a
focus is the same as the distance from the same point on the parabola to a fixed line called
directrix.
b. Circle b. Parabola c. Ellipse d. Hyperbola
____ 11. The path traversed by the drinking water fountain illustrates what conic section?
b. Ellipse b. Hyperbola c. Parabola d. Circle
____ 12. A conic section with one focus is called _____.
b. Circle b. Parabola c. Ellipse d. Hyperbola
____ 13. Which is true of the following statements about the graph of parabola?
a. If the graph opens upward then the vertex is in the origin.
b. If the graph opens upward then the vertex is in the highest point.
c. If the graph opens upward then the vertex is everywhere.
d. If the graph opens upward then the vertex is in the lowest point.
____ 14. What is the standard form of 60x – 80 = 3y2 + 100?
a. 20(x – 4) = y2 c. 22(x + 3) = y2
b. y2 = 20(x – 3) d. y2 + 3 = 20(x – 3)
 1. Vertex: (2, 4))
Focus: (4.5, 4)
Directrix: x = -o.5
Axis of symmetry: y = 4
1. A 1. B
2. C 2. C
3. B 3. B
4. C Activity 2.1.2 4. D
5. D 5. A
6. A 1. Vertex: (-6, -9) 6. A
Focus: (-6, -4.5)
7. D Directrix: y = -13.5 7. C
Axis of symmetry: x = -6
8. B 8. B
Exercise 2
9. D 9. C
10. B 1. (y – 3)2 = -8(x + 2) 10. D
11. C 2. (x + 1)2 = -12(y + 3) 11. A
12. B 3. (x – 4)2 = 6(y + 4) 12. D
13. D 4. (y + 6)2 = 5(x + 4) 13. B
14. B 5. (x + 6)2 = 18(y + 9) 14. D
Post-Assessment Exercise 1 Activity 2.1.1 Pre-Assessment
Key to Correction
Pre-Calculus, Ronald L. Arciaga and James G. Jaime
Pre-Calculus, Juan Apolinario C. Reyes MS
Pre-Calculus, John Gabriel P. Pelias
References