I.

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

Parabolas can be used to model and solve many types of real-life problems. For
instance, a parabola is used to model the main span of San Juanico Bridge. The parabolic
or arch-shaped support on the main span of the bridge helps maximize its strength to
withstand mechanical resonance and aero elastic flutter brought about by heavy vehicles
and passing winds. In this lesson, we will study the standard equation of the parabola.

II. Objectives
After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. define a parabola;
2. identify the different parts of a parabola;
3. determine the standard equation of a parabola and;
4. solves problems involving parabola.

III. Content
Lesson 3: Parabola

Definition of Parabola

A parabola is the set of all points in a plane equidistant from a fixed point and a fixed
line. The fixed point is called the focus and the fixed line is called the directrix. The
vertex of the parabola is the midpoint of perpendicular segment from the focus to the
directrix, while the line that passes through the vertex and focus is called the axis of
symmetry. The line segment through the focus perpendicular to the axis of symmetry is
called the latus rectum whose length is 4c.

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(1) Vertex: 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: The line that is c units directly away from the vertex.

(3) Focus: A point inside the parabola that is c units away from the vertex.

(4) Axis of Symmetry: The line which divides the parabola into two parts which mirror
images from each other.

(5) Latus Rectum: Line segment that passes through the focus and perpendicular to the
axis of symmetry and has endpoints on the curve.

The Equation of the Parabola

The following table gives summary of the four equations of a parabola for various
positions of the focus and directrix.

Table 1 Standard Form of the Equation of a Parabola with Vertex at the Origin

Directri
Equation Focus Axis of Symmetry Parabola Opens
x
y2 = 4cx (c,0) x = -c x – axis to the right
2
y = - 4cx (-c, 0) x=c x – axis to the left
x2 = 4cy (0, c) y = -c y – axis Upward
x = 4cy
2
(0, -c) y=c y – axis Downward

EXAMPLE 1. Determine the equation of the parabola with the following graph.

Solution:

From the figure, c = 2. Since

2
the graph opens upward, then we use the x = 4cy. Thus, the standard equation is

x2 = 4cy equation of a parabola opens upward.

x2 = 4(2)y substitute the value of c.

x2 = 8y equation of the parabola.

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Table 2 Standard Form of the Equation of a Parabola with Vertex at the (h, k)

Axis of
Equation Focus Directrix Parabola Opens
Symmetry
( y−k )2=4 c ( x−h ) ( h+ c , k ) x=h−c y=k to the right
( y−k )2=−4 c ( x −h ) ( h−c , k ) x=h+ c y=k to the left
2
( x−h ) =4 c ( y−k ) ( h , k + c) y=h−c x=h Upward
2
( x−h ) =−4 c ( y−k ) ( h , k −c ) y=h+c x=h Downward

EXAMPLE 2. The figure shows the graph of parabola, with only its focus and vertex
indicated. Find its standard equation. What is its directrix and its axis of symmetry?

Solution:

Vertex: V(5, -4). This means h = 5 and k = -4

Focus: F(3, -4)

The value of c: to find the value of c, we are going to find the distance of the focus going
to the vertex. Therefore,

c = (5 – 3)

c=2 distance from the focus to the given vertex

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The parabola opens to the left. So, from Table 2, we use the equation
( y−k )2=−4 c ( x −h ). So, our equation is

( y −(−4 ) )2=−4(2) ( x−5 ) substitute the value of, h, k, and c

( y−4 )2 =−8 ( x−5 ) the equation of the parabola

EXAMPLE 3. A concrete bridge is designed

with an arch in the shape of a parabola. The
road over the bridge is 120 feet long and the
maximum height of the arch is 50 feet. Write
an equation for the parabolic arch.

Solution:

Graph the curve and label the vertex and both x-intercepts
According to the figure, the vertex of the parabola is located at the maximum height
of the bridge V(0,50). In this case we are going to use the x-intercepts in order to derive
the equation of the parabola. The x-intercepts are (-60, 0) and (60, 0). We need only one
x-intercepts so, we use (60, 0). Since the parabola opens downward with the vertex not on
the origin we are going to use this equation;
( x−h )2=−4 c ( y−k ) equation of the parabola opens downward.

( 60−0 )2=−4 c ( 0−50 ) substitute the value of h, k and x-intercepts.

( 60 )2=−4 c(−50)

3600=200 c

3600
c= solve for c.
200

c=18
2
x =−72 ( y−50 ) equation of the parabola

Graph in the Cartesian plane:

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IV. Assessment
a. Multiple Choice.
Directions: Encircle the letter of the correct answer

1. Which of the following is NOT an equation of a parabola?

A. 2 x2 + 4 y=3
B. y=3 ( x +5 )2
C. x=2 ( y−3 )2
D. 3 x 2+ 4 y 2=7

2. Which of the following equations of a parabola that opens downward?

A. x 2=8 y
B. ( y−3 )2=7(x−8)
C. ( x +2 )2=−8( y+ 5)
4 2
D. y= x −3
5

3. Write an equation of a parabola with a vertex at the origin, and focus @ (2, 0).
−1 2
A. x= y
8

−1 2
B. y= x
4

C. ( x +5 )2=−4( y−1)
D. ( y−8 )2=3(x−5)

4. It is defined as the set of all points such that the distance from a point on the parabola
to a focus point 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

5. 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.

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For items 6 – 10, refer to the figure on the right.

6. Point V is called?
A. Focus
B. Latus Rectum
C. Directrix
D. Vertex

7. Point F is called?
A. Focus
B. Latus Rectum
C. Directrix
D. Vertex
8. Line y is called?
A. Focus
B. Latus Rectum
C. Directrix
D. Axis of Symmetry
9. Line x is called?
A. Focus
B. Latus Rectum
C. Directrix
D. Axis of Symmetry
10. Line z is called?
A. Focus
B. Latus Rectum
C. Directrix
D. Axis of Symmetry

B. Problem Solving.
Directions: Read the Problem and answer the questions that follow. Write your answer
on the space provided.

An arched underpass has the shape of a

parabola. A road passing under the arch is 25 feet
wide, and the maximum height of the arch is 15 feet.
Write an equation for the parabolic arch.

Answer:____________________

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V. References

Albay, Eduard M. (2016) DIWA Senior High Series: Precalculus. DIWA Learning System
Inc. Makati, Philippines

Department of Education. Bureau of Learning Resources. Precalculus Learner’s Material.

Philippines: Lexicon Press Inc., 2016

Department of Education. Bureau of Learning Resources. Precalculus Teacher’s Guide.

Philippines: Lexicon Press Inc., 2016

Pelias, John Gabriel P.( 2016) REX: Precalculus. REX Book Store. Manila, Philippines