Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education

11 PRE-CALCULUS
STEM
LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET

The Parabola
1|Page Address: Poblacion, Liloan, Southern Leyte
Email Address: [email protected]
ANDY P. QUIÑO
 Lesson 3
PARABOLA

Name: ____________________________________ Grade & Sec.: ____________ Date: _________

Learning Competency with Code (MELC)

 The learner defines a parabola. (STEM_PC11AG-Ia-5)
 The learner determines the standard form of equation of a parabola. (STEM_PC11AG-Ib-1)

Background Information for Learners

A. DEFINITION OF PARABOLA

Before defining the parabola, let us first take into consideration the following terms:
 Focus – refers to the fixed point of a parabola.
 Directrix – refers to the fixed line of a parabola.
 Vertex - refers to the midpoint of the perpendicular segment from the focus to the directrix.
 Axis of Symmetry – refers to the line that passes through the vertex and the focus.
 Latus Rectum – refers to the line segment through the focus perpendicular to the axis of
symmetry whose length is equal to 4a.
 4a – the length of the latus rectum.
 2a – the distance from the focus to one of the endpoints of the parabola.
 a – the distance from the vertex to the focus; from the vertex to the directrix.

2a 2a

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 A parabola is the set of all points in a plane equidistant from a fixed point and a fixed line. It is a
locus of all points whose distance from the focus to the directrix are equal. The graph of a parabola has
4 openings: upward, downward, to the left and to the right.

B. FORMS OF THE EQUATION OF PARABOLA

General and Standard Equations of the Parabola

Vertex General Form Standard Form
𝑦 2 + Dx+ F=0 𝑦 2 = 4𝑎𝑥
𝑦 2 = −4𝑎𝑥
(0,0)
𝑥 2 + Dy+ F=0 𝑥 2 = 4𝑎𝑦
𝑥 2 = −4𝑎𝑦
𝑦 2 + Dx+ Ey + F=0 (𝑦 − 𝑘)2 = 4𝑎(𝑥 − ℎ)
(𝑦 − 𝑘)2 = −4𝑎(𝑥 − ℎ)
(h,k)
𝑥 2 + Dx+ Ey + F=0 (𝑥 − ℎ)2 = 4𝑎(𝑦 − 𝑘)
(𝑥 − ℎ)2 = −4𝑎(𝑦 − 𝑘)
NOTE: The numerical coefficient of the second degree term should be equal to 1. Otherwise, common
monomial factoring should be applied and the common factor will divide both sides of the equation
(Multiplication/Division Property of Equality). Also remember that the value of 4a in the equation is the
length of the latus rectum.

Converting General Equations of a Parabola to Standard Form

In converting general equation of a parabola to its standard form, follow the steps below:

STEP 1: The variable having the second degree (squared) should only be placed on the left-hand side
of the equation. The rest of the terms should be transposed to the right-hand side of the equation.

STEP 2: Perform completing the square in the left-hand side of the equation. Apply the
Addition/Subtraction Property of Equality if necessary.

STEP 3: Factor the perfect square trinomial in the left-hand side of the equation, and factor also the
right-hand side usually by using common monomial factoring.

EXAMPLE 1: Convert the general equations to standard form:

a. 𝑦 2 + 12𝑥 + 2𝑦 + 25 = 0
b. 2𝑥 2 − 12𝑥 − 𝑦 + 16 = 0
c. 3𝑦 2 − 3𝑥 + 18𝑦 − 6 = 0

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SOLUTION: a. 𝑦 2 + 12𝑥 + 2𝑦 + 25 = 0
STEP 1: The variable having the second degree (squared) should only be Apply the Addition
placed on the left-hand side of the equation. The rest of the terms should Property of Equality.
be transposed to the right-hand side of the equation. Since the left-hand
𝑦 2 + 2𝑦 = −12𝑥 − 25 side of the equation is
STEP 2: Perform completing the square in the left-hand side of the equation. added by 1, therefore
Apply the Addition/Subtraction Property of Equality if necessary. the right-hand side of
the equation will also
𝑦 2 + 2𝑦 + 1 = −12𝑥 − 25 + 1
be added by the same
𝑏 2 2 2 number so that the two
( ) = ( ) = 12 = 𝟏
2 2 sides will remain
equal.
STEP 3: Factor the perfect square trinomial in the left-hand side of the
equation, and factor also the right-hand side usually by using common monomial factoring.
Factoring Perfect Square Common Monomial Factoring.
Trinomial.
𝑦 2 + 2𝑦 + 1 = −12𝑥 − 24 The common factor or -12x-24 is
The square root of y2 is y, while (𝒚 + 𝟏)𝟐 = −𝟏𝟐(𝒙 + 𝟐) -12. Thus, -12x divided by -12 is
the square root of 1 is 1. The equal to x; and -24 divided by -12
operation to be used is addition is equal to 2.
(+) since the middle term 2y is
positive.

ANSWER: The equation of a parabola in standard form is (y + 1)2 = –12(x + 2).

SOLUTION: b. 2𝑥 2 − 12𝑥 − 𝑦 + 16 = 0
STEP 1: The variable having the second degree (squared) should only be placed on the left-hand side
of the equation. The rest of the terms should be transposed to the right-hand side of the equation.
2𝑥 2 − 12𝑥 = 𝑦 − 16
Since the numerical coefficient of the second degree (x2) is not Apply the Addition
equal to 1, it must be factored using common monomial factoring. Property of Equality.
Since the left-hand
2
2(𝑥 − 6𝑥) = 𝑦 − 16 side of the equation is
added by 9 times 2,
STEP 2: Perform completing the square in the left-hand side of the equation. which is 18, therefore
Apply the Addition/Subtraction Property of Equality if necessary. the right-hand side of
2(𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 9) = 𝑦 − 16 + 2(9) the equation will also
be added by the same
2(𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 9) = 𝑦 − 16 + 18 number so that the two
sides will remain
𝑏 2 −6 2
( ) = ( ) = (−3) = 𝟗 2 equal.
2 2
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STEP 3: Factor the perfect square trinomial in the left-hand side of the equation, and factor also the
right-hand side usually by using common monomial factoring.
Factoring Perfect Square Common Monomial Factoring.
Trinomial.
2(𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 9) = 𝑦 + 2 y + 2 will stay the same, because
The square root of x2 is x, while 2(𝑥 − 3)2 = 𝑦 + 2 there is no common factor
the square root of 9 is 3. The between them.
operation to be used is
subtraction (–) since the middle
term 6x is negative.
Since the numerical coefficient of the second degree is not equal to 1, it should be
divided by 2 in both sides of the equation.
2(𝑥 − 3)2 𝑦 + 2
=
2 2
𝒚+𝟐
(𝒙 − 𝟑)𝟐 =
𝟐
ANSWER:
𝒚+𝟐 𝟏
The equation of a parabola in standard form is (𝒙 − 𝟑)𝟐 = or (𝒙 − 𝟑)𝟐 = (𝒚 + 𝟐)
𝟐 𝟐

SOLUTION: c. 3𝑦 2 − 3𝑥 + 18𝑦 − 6 = 0
3𝑦 2 − 3𝑥 + 18𝑦 − 6 = 0
3𝑦 2 + 18𝑦 = 3𝑥 + 6
3(𝑦 2 + 6𝑦) = 3𝑥 + 6
3(𝑦 2 + 6𝑦 + 9) = 3𝑥 + 6 + (3)(9)
3(𝑦 2 + 6𝑦 + 9) = 3𝑥 + 6 + 27
3(𝑦 + 3)2 = 3𝑥 + 33
3(𝑦 + 3)2 = 3(𝑥 + 11)
3(𝑦 + 3)2 3(𝑥 + 11)
=
3 3
(𝒚 + 𝟑)𝟐 = 𝒙 + 𝟏𝟏

ANSWER: The equation of a parabola in standard form is (𝒚 + 𝟑)𝟐 = 𝒙 + 𝟏𝟏

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 TRY THIS!
Convert the equation x2 + 6y + 10x + 13 = 0 to standard form.
ANSWER: (x + 5)2 = –6(y + 2)

Converting Standard Equations of a Parabola to General Form

In converting standard equation of a parabola to its general form, follow the steps below:

STEP 1: If the given equation contains a fraction, simplify first the equation by applying the Multiplication/
Division Property of Equality.

STEP 2: Expand both sides of the equation. Square the binomial and expand terms using distributive
property of equality.

STEP 3: Equate the equation to zero (0). Simplify the equation and arrange in general form.

EXAMPLE 1: Convert the general equations to standard form:

a. (𝑦 − 3)2 = 7(𝑥 − 8)
𝑦+2
b. (𝑥 − 3)2 =
2

c. (𝑦 + 8)2 = 3(𝑥 − 5)

SOLUTION: a. (𝑦 − 3)2 = 7(𝑥 − 8)

STEP 1: If the given equation contains a fraction, simplify first the equation by applying the Multiplication/
Division Property of Equality.

Since the given equation has no fractional term, then proceed directly to step 2.

STEP 2: Expand both sides of the equation. Square the binomial and expand terms using distributive
property of equality.
For (y – 3)2 (𝑦 − 3)2 = 7(𝑥 − 8) For 7(x – 8)
𝑦 2 − 6𝑦 + 9 = 7𝑥 − 56
 The square of y is y2.  7 times x is 7x.
 2(y)(-3) = -6y  7 times -8 is -56
 The square of 3 is 9.

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STEP 3: Equate the equation to zero (0). Simplify the equation and arrange in general form.

𝑦 2 − 6𝑦 + 9 − 7𝑥 + 56 = 0
𝒚𝟐 − 𝟕𝒙 − 𝟔𝒚 + 𝟔𝟓 = 𝟎

ANSWER: The equation of a parabola in general form is y2 – 7x -6y + 65 = 0.

𝑦+2
SOLUTION: b. (𝑥 − 3)2 =
2

STEP 1: If the given equation contains a fraction, simplify first the equation by applying the Multiplication/
Division Property of Equality.

𝑦+2
(𝑥 − 3)2 =
2
𝑦+2 Multiply both sides by 2, so that
[(𝑥 − 3)2 = ] (𝟐) the fraction will be eliminated.
2

2(𝑥 − 3)2 = 𝑦 + 2

STEP 2: Expand both sides of the equation. Square the binomial and expand terms using distributive
property of equality.

For (x – 3)2 2(𝑥 − 3)2 = 𝑦 + 2 For 2(x2 – 6x + 9)

 The square of x is x2. 2(𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 9) = 𝑦 + 2  2 times x2 is 2x2.

 2(x)(-3) = -6x  2 times -6x is -12x
 The square of 3 is 9. 2𝑥 2 − 12𝑥 + 18 = 𝑦 + 2  2 times 9 is 18

STEP 3: Equate the equation to zero (0). Simplify the equation and arrange in general form.

2𝑥 2 − 12𝑥 + 18 − 𝑦 − 2 = 0
𝟐𝒙𝟐 − 𝟏𝟐𝒙 − 𝒚 + 𝟏𝟔 = 𝟎

ANSWER: The equation of a parabola in general form is 2x2 – 12x – y + 16 = 0.

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SOLUTION: c. (𝑦 + 8)2 = 3(𝑥 − 5)

(𝑦 + 8)2 = 3(𝑥 − 5)
𝑦 2 + 16𝑦 + 64 = 3𝑥 − 15
𝑦 2 + 16𝑦 + 64 − 3𝑥 + 15 = 0
𝒚𝟐 − 𝟑𝒙 + 𝟏𝟔𝒚 + 𝟕𝟗 = 𝟎

ANSWER: The equation of a parabola in general form is y2 – 3x +16y + 79 = 0.

TRY THIS!
Convert the equation (x + 11)2 = –8(y – 7) to standard form.
ANSWER: x2 + 22x + 8y + 65 = 0

D. PARTS AND TYPES OF PARABOLA

The parabola differs in terms of their vertex (origin or at (h,k)), the opening (to the right, to the left,
upward or downward), and the length of the latus rectum. These conditions can affect the behavior of
the graph including the focus, directrix, and axis of symmetry.

THE GRAPH OF THE PARABOLA OPENS UPWARD

 a>0
 Vertex at the origin (0,0)
 Equation in General Form: 𝑥 2 + Dy + F=0
 Equation in Standard Form: 𝑥 2 = 4ay
 Length of the latus rectum: 4a
 Focus: (0,a)
 Directrix: y = –a
 Axis of symmetry: x = 0

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 THE GRAPH OF THE PARABOLA OPENS UPWARD
 a>0
 Vertex at (h,k)
 Equation in General Form: 𝑥 2 + Dx + Ey + F=0
 Equation in Standard Form: (𝑥 − ℎ)2 = 4a(y–k)
 Length of the latus rectum: 4a
 Focus: (h,k+a)
 Directrix: y = k – a
 Axis of symmetry: x = h

THE GRAPH OF THE PARABOLA OPENS DOWNWARD

 a<0
 Vertex at the origin (0,0)
 Equation in General Form: 𝑥 2 + Dy + F=0
 Equation in Standard Form: 𝑥 2 = – 4ay
 Length of the latus rectum: 4a
 Focus: (0, –a)
 Directrix: y = a
 Axis of symmetry: x = 0

THE GRAPH OF THE PARABOLA OPENS DOWNWARD

 a<0
 Vertex at (h,k)
 Equation in General Form: 𝑥 2 + Dx+ Ey + F=0
 Equation in Standard Form: (𝑥 − ℎ)2 = –4a(y-k)
 Length of the latus rectum: 4a
 Focus: (h, k–a)
 Directrix: y = k + a
 Axis of symmetry: x = h

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 THE GRAPH OF THE PARABOLA OPENS
TO THE RIGHT
 a>0
 Vertex at the origin (0,0)
 Equation in General Form: 𝑦 2 + Dx + F=0
 Equation in Standard Form: 𝑦 2 = 4ax
 Length of the latus rectum: 4a
 Focus: (a, 0)
 Directrix: x = –a
 Axis of symmetry: y = 0

THE GRAPH OF THE PARABOLA OPENS

TO THE RIGHT
 a>0
 Vertex at (h,k)
 Equation in General Form: 𝑦 2 + Dx+ Ey + F=0
 Equation in Standard Form: (𝑦 − 𝑘)2 = 4a(x–h)
 Length of the latus rectum: 4a
 Focus: (h+a, k)
 Directrix: x = h – a
 Axis of symmetry: y = k

THE GRAPH OF THE PARABOLA OPENS

TO THE LEFT
 a<0
 Vertex at the origin (0,0)
 Equation in General Form: 𝑦 2 + Dx + F=0
 Equation in Standard Form: 𝑦 2 = – 4ax
 Length of the latus rectum: 4a
 Focus: (– a , 0)
 Directrix: x = a
 Axis of symmetry: y = 0

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 THE GRAPH OF THE PARABOLA OPENS
TO THE LEFT
 a<0
 Vertex at (h,k)
 Equation in General Form: 𝑦 2 + Dx+ Ey + F=0
 Equation in Standard Form: (𝑦 − 𝑘)2 =–4a(x–h)
 Length of the latus rectum: 4a
 Focus: (h – a, k)
 Directrix: x = h + a
 Axis of symmetry: y = k

C. DETERMINING THE VERTEX, LENGTH OF THE LATUS RECTUM, FOCUS, DIRECTRIX, AXIS
OF SYMMETRY AND THE OPENING OF THE GRAPH OF THE PARABOLA

Use the descriptions in each type of parabola in determining the value, ordered pair, and equation
of the different parts of the parabola.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS:

1. The length of the latus rectum is equal to 4a.

y2= 4ax latus rectum (LR)

2. The value of h and k are based on the ordered pair of the vertex (h, k).

Vertex (3, –5) h = 3; k = –5

EXAMPLE 1: Determine the vertex, opening of the graph, length of the latus rectum, focus, and
directrix of the equation y2 = 8x.

ANSWER:
 vertex: (0,0)
 opening of the graph: opens to the right
 length of the latus rectum: 8 (The numerical coefficient of x or y is the length of the latus rectum
which is equal to 4a.)

y2 = 4ax
y2 = 8 x

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  focus: Since the equation is in the form of y2 = 4ax, then the focus will be F (a, 0). We need to
find the value of a using 4a = 8.

4𝑎 = 8

4𝑎 8
=4
4 Since a = 2, therefore the focus will be:
𝒂=𝟐 F(a,0) = (2,0)

 directrix: Since the equation is in the form of y2 = 4ax, then the directrix will be:
x = –a
x=–2
 axis of symmetry: Since the equation is in the form of y2 = 4ax, then the axis of symmetry will
be y = 0.

EXAMPLE 2: Determine the vertex, opening of the graph, length of the latus rectum, focus, and
directrix of the equation (x – 4)2 = 12 (y + 1).

ANSWER:

 vertex: Based on the given equation, the vertex is at (h,k).

Solve for h: Solve for k:

x–4=0 y+1=0
x=4 y = –1

Vertex (4, – 1)
 opening of the graph: opens upward
 length of the latus rectum: 12 (The numerical coefficient of x or y is the length of the latus
rectum which is equal to 4a.)

(x – h)2 = 4a (y + k)
(x – 4)2 = 12 (y + 1)
 focus: Since the equation is in the form of (x – h)2 = 4a (y - k) then the focus will be F (h, k+a).
We need to find the value of a using 4a = 12.

4𝑎 = 12 VERTEX (4, – 1)

4𝑎 12
= FOCUS (h, k + a)
4 4
FOCUS (4, –1+3)
𝒂=𝟑
FOCUS (4, 2)

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  directrix: Since the equation is in the form of (x – h)2 = 4a (y + k), then the directrix will be:
y=k–a
y = –1 – 3
y=–4
 axis of symmetry: Since the equation is in the form of (x – h)2 = 4a (y - k), then the axis of
symmetry will be:
x=h
x=4

EXAMPLE 3: Determine the vertex, opening of the graph, length of the latus rectum, focus, and
directrix of the equation y2 + 12x + 2y + 25 = 0.

If the equation is in the general form, transform it to standard form.

𝑦 2 + 12𝑥 + 2𝑦 + 25 = 0
𝑦 2 + 2𝑦 = −12𝑥 − 25
𝑦 2 + 2𝑦 + 1 = −12𝑥 − 25 + 1
(𝑦 + 1)2 = −12𝑥 − 24
(𝒚 + 𝟏)𝟐 = −𝟏𝟐(𝒙 + 𝟐)

 vertex: Based on the given equation, the vertex is at (h,k).

Solve for h: Solve for k:

x+2=0 y+1=0
x=–2 y = –1

Vertex (– 2, – 1)
 opening of the graph: opens to the left
 length of the latus rectum: 12 (The numerical coefficient of x or y is the length of the latus
rectum which is equal to 4a. Even though the value is negative, the length of the latus rectum is
always positive.)

(y – k)2 = 4a (x + h)
(y + 1)2 = –12 (x + 2)

 focus: Since the equation is in the form of (y – k)2 = 4a (x – h) then the focus will be F (h – a, k).
We need to find the value of a using 4a = 12.

4𝑎 = 12 VERTEX (– 2, – 1)

4𝑎 12
= FOCUS (h – a, k)
4 4
FOCUS (–2 – 3, –1)
𝒂=𝟑
FOCUS (– 5 , –1)

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  directrix: Since the equation is in the form of (y – k)2 = 4a (x – h), then the directrix will be:
x=h+a
x = –2 + 3
x=1
 axis of symmetry: Since the equation is in the form of (y – k)2 = 4a (x – h), then the axis of
symmetry will be:
y=k
y = –1

EXAMPLE 4: Determine the vertex, opening of the graph, length of the latus rectum, focus, and
directrix of the graph below.

 vertex: (0,0)

 opening of the graph: opens upward

 focus: Since the graph opens upward and the vertex is at the origin (0,0), therefore the equation
will be x2 = 4ay and the focus will be F (0, a). Based on the graph, the ordered pair of the focus
is (0, 3). Thus, a=3 (or just count from vertex (V) to focus (F).

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  length of the latus rectum:
𝐿𝑅 = 4𝑎
𝐿𝑅 = 4(3)
𝑳𝑹 = 𝟏𝟐
just count if how many units (12 units)

 directrix: Since the equation is in the form of x2 = 4ay, then the directrix will be:
y = -a
y=–3

 axis of symmetry: Since the equation is in the form of x2 = 4ay, then the axis of symmetry will
be x = 0.

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EXAMPLE 5: Determine the vertex, opening of the graph, length of the latus rectum, focus, and
directrix of the graph below.

F V

 vertex: (5, –2)

 opening of the graph: opens to the left

 focus: Since the graph opens to the left and the vertex is at the origin (h,k), therefore the equation
will be (y – k)2 = –4a (x – h) and the focus will be F (h – a, k). Based on the graph, the ordered
pair of focus is F(3, –2).

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  length of the latus rectum: To solve for the length of latus rectum, we need to determine the
value of a. Remember that a is the distance from the vertex to the focus or form the vertex to the
directrix. Just count how many units are there from vertex to the focus, thus a = 2.

LR = 4a
LR = 4(2)
LR = 8

 directrix: Since the equation is in the form of (y – k)2 = –4a (x – h), then the directrix will be:
x=h+a
x=5+2
x=7

 axis of symmetry: Since the equation is in the form of (y – k)2 = –4a (x – h), then the axis of
symmetry will be:
y=k
y=–2

D. FINDING THE EQUATION OF A PARABOLA IN STANDARD FORM

Although the values needed in order to determine the equation of the parabola in standard form
are h, k and a, but it is better to sketch its graph before getting the equation.

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STEPS IN GRAPHING PARABOLA:
1. Plot the vertex in the Cartesian plane.
2. Plot the focus or directrix.
3. Determine the value of a by counting how many units from the vertex to the focus or directrix.
4. Determine the latus rectum either by solving or by counting.
5. Draw the graph by connecting the vertex and the endpoints of the latus rectum in a curve line. The
opening of the graph will be automatically be determined since the focus is always part of the opening.

EXAMPLE 1: Find the equation of parabola in standard form with the vertex at the origin and focus is
at (0,3).

Given: vertex (0, 0)

focus (0, 3)

Graph:
STEP 1: Plot the vertex in the Cartesian plane.

V (0,0)

STEP 2: Plot the focus or directrix.

F (0,3)

V(0,0)

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 STEP 3. Determine the value of a by counting how many units from the vertex to the
focus or directrix.

F (0,3)
Just count how
many units
a=3
V(0,0)

STEP 4: Determine the latus rectum either by solving or by counting.

F (0,3)
LR = 4a
LR = 4(3)
LR = 12
V(0,0)
Since LR is 12, move 6 units to
the right and another 6 units to
the left of the focus. The
resulting points are the
endpoints of the latus rectum.

STEP 5. Draw the graph by connecting the vertex and the endpoints of the latus rectum
in a curve line. The opening of the graph will be automatically be determined since the
focus is always part of the opening.

F (0,3)

V(0,0)

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 EQUATION: Since the vertex of the parabola is at the origin (0,0) and the graph opens
upward, thus the equation to used is: (a=3)

x2 = 4ay
x2 = 4(3)y
x2 = 12y

EXAMPLE 2: Find the equation of parabola in standard form with the vertex at (3, 1) and focus is at
(2, 1 ).

Given: vertex (3, 1)

focus (2, 1)

Graph:
STEP 1: Plot the vertex in the Cartesian plane.

V (3,1)

STEP 2: Plot the focus or directrix.

F (2,1) V(3,1)

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 STEP 3. Determine the value of a by counting how many units from the vertex to the
focus or directrix.

F (2,1) V(3,1)

Just count how many units

a=1

STEP 4: Determine the latus rectum either by solving or by counting.

LR = 4a
LR = 4(1)
F (2,1) V(3,1)
LR = 4

Since LR is 4, move 2 units

upward and another 2 units
downward from the focus. The
resulting points are the
endpoints of the latus rectum.

STEP 5. Draw the graph by connecting the vertex and the endpoints of the latus rectum
in a curve line. The opening of the graph will be automatically be determined since the
focus is always part of the opening.

F (2,1) V(3,1)

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 EQUATION: Since the vertex of the parabola is at (h,k) and the graph opens to the left,
thus the equation to used is: (h = 3; k = 1; a=1)

(y – k)2 = – 4a (x – h)
(y – 1)2 = –4(1) (x – 3)
(y – 1)2 = – 4(x – 3)

EXAMPLE 3: Find the equation of parabola in standard form with the vertex at (– 4, – 4) and a directrix
at line y = – 6

Given: vertex (– 4, – 4)
directrix = – 6

Graph:
STEP 1: Plot the vertex in the Cartesian plane.

V (– 4, – 4)

STEP 2: Plot the focus or directrix.

x=–6

V (– 4, – 4)

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STEP 3. Determine the value of a by counting how many units from the vertex to the focus or directrix.

x=–6

V (– 4, – 4)

Just count how many units

a=2

STEP 4: Determine the latus rectum either by solving or by counting.

x=–6

V (– 4, – 4)
F (– 2, – 4)

Remember that the distance from the vertex to the directrix is equal to the distance
from the vertex to the focus. Therefore, by counting 2 units to the right from the vertex, the
focus is at (– 2, – 4).

LR = 4a Since LR is 8, move 4 units upward and

LR = 4(2) another 4 units downward from the focus.
LR = 8 The resulting points are the endpoints of the
latus rectum.

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 STEP 5. Draw the graph by connecting the vertex and the endpoints of the latus rectum
in a curve line. The opening of the graph will be automatically be determined since the
focus is always part of the opening.

x=–6

V (– 4, – 4)
F (– 2, – 4)

EQUATION: Since the vertex of the parabola is at (h,k) and the graph opens to the right,
then the equation to be used is: (h = – 4; k = – 4; a=2)

(y – k)2 = 4a (x – h)
[y – (– 4)]2 = 4(2) [x – (– 3)]
(y +1)2 = 8(x + 3)

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Activity 5: CAN YOU TRANSFORM ME?
A. DIRECTION: Transform the following general form to standard form of a parabola.

1. 4𝑥 2 − 24𝑥 − 40𝑦 − 4 = 0 2. 𝑦 2 − 6𝑥 + 2𝑦 − 17 = 0

B. DIRECTION: Transform the following standard form to general form of a parabola.

1. (𝑦 + 1)2 = −2(𝑥 + 2) 2. (𝑥 − 3)2 = 12(𝑦 − 4)

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Activity 6: SKETCH ME OUT!
DIRECTION: Determine the vertex, focus, directrix, and axis of symmetry of the parabola with the given
equation. Sketch the graph of the parabola in a graphing paper.

1. y2 = 20x

2. x2 − 6x − 2y + 9 = 0

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Activity 7: FINDING THE STANDARD EQUATION
DIRECTION: Find the standard equation of the parabola as described below.

1. Find an equation of the parabola with vertex at (-1,4) and y=5 as the line of directrix. Draw the
general appearance of this graph.

7. Determine the standard equation of the parabola in the figure given only its focus and vertex.
Determine its directrix and axis of symmetry.

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A. Module
Agot, M. (2020). Precalculus. A Module from the Department of Education – Division of
Cagayan de Oro City.

For inquiries or feedback, please contact:

ANDY P. QUIÑO
Phone Number: 09561329502 (Globe)
09606622492 (Smart)
Email Address: [email protected]
Facebook: Andy Quiño

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