DepEd MIMAROPA

Curriculum and Learning Management Division

Senior High School

Pre-Calculus
Module 3: Parabola

RO_MIMAROPA_SHS_Academic-STEM_Pre-
Calculus_Mod3
Pre-Calculus
Contextualized Self-Learning Module
Module 3: Parabola
First Edition, 2022

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Published by the Department of Education-MIMAROPA Region

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Elsa M. Lim

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1
 Lesson 3

Parabola

MELC The learners…

1. define a parabola (STEM_PC11AG-Ia-5)
2. determine the standard form of equation of a parabola
(STEM_PC11AG-Ib-1)

Objectives At the end of this module, the learners shall be able to:
1. define parabola,
2. write equations of parabolas in standard form, and
3. graph parabola.

Let’s Try

Directions: Read and analyze the statements below. Write the letter of the correct answer
in a clean sheet of paper.

1. Given 𝑦 2 = 8𝑥, which is the following is the opening of the parabola?

A. Downward C. To the right
B. To the left D. Upward
2. Determine the coordinates of the focus in the equation given in number 1.
A. (-2, 0) C. (0, 2)
B. (0, -2) D. (2, 0)
3. Identify the parabola’s axis of symmetry, with the vertex at the origin and focus at
(2, 0).
A. 𝑥 = 0 C. 𝑦 = 0
B. 𝑥 = 2 D. 𝑦 = 2
4. It is the set of all points whose distances from the focus and the fixed line called the
directrix are the same.
A. Circle C. Line
B. Ellipse D. Parabola
5. Which of the following is the standard equation of a parabola if it opens upward?
A. 𝑥 2 = 4𝑐𝑦 C. 𝑦 2 = 4𝑐𝑥
B. 𝑥 2 = −4𝑐𝑦 D. 𝑦 2 = −4𝑐𝑥
6. In the given equation (𝑥 − 2) = −6(𝑦 + 4), which of following is the opening of a
2

parabola?
A. Downward C. To the right
B. To the left D. Upward

2
 7. Which of the following is the vertex of a parabola (𝑥 − 3)2 = 6(𝑦 + 2)?
A. (-3, -2) C. (3, -2)
B. (-3, 2) D. (3, 2)
8. The vertex of a parabola is (3, 0) focus is 4 units from the vertex and the parabola
opens downward. What are the coordinates of focus?
A. (3, -4) C. (4, -3)
B. (3, 4) D. (4, 3)
9. In the given equation (𝑥 + 7) = 10(𝑦 − 1), which of the following is the length of the
2

latus rectum?
A. 1 unit C. 7 units
B. 5 units D. 10 units
10. Which of the following is the standard equation of a parabola with vertex at (ℎ, 𝑘) if
it opens upward?
A. (𝑥 − ℎ)2 = 4𝑐(𝑦 − 𝑘) C. (𝑥 − ℎ)2 = −4𝑐(𝑦 − 𝑘)
B. (𝑦 − 𝑘)2 = 4𝑐(𝑥 − ℎ) D. (𝑦 − 𝑘)2 = −4𝑐(𝑥 − ℎ)

Let’s Explore and Discover

What are the uses of parabolas?

The reflecting qualities of a parabola are perfectly illustrated by a satellite disk.

Direct transmission of the signals to the focus results in accurate reflection of those signals
to a receiver. The channels on our television are then created by interpreting and
transmitting these signals.

Definition

A parabola is the set of all points on the plane

which are equidistant from a fixed point (called
the focus) and a fixed line (called the directrix)
(see Figure 1.)

Figure 1.
Parabola

3
Standard Equation of Parabola at (0,0) as the Vertex and Open Upwards

In the given graph,

• the vertex is the point of origin: V(𝟎, 𝟎).
• the focus is at F(𝟎, 𝒄).
• the directrix is the line 𝒚 = −𝒄.
• the focal distance is c. Distance from the
origin to the focus and from the origin to the
directrix.
• the point (𝒙, 𝒚) represents any point on
the curve.
• the axis of symmetry of this parabola is the
𝑦 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠 and the equation is 𝒙 = 𝟎.
• the length of latus rectum that pass
through the focus is 4c.

Standard Equation of Parabola at (0,0) as the Vertex and Opens Downward

In the given graph,

• the vertex is the point of origin: V(0,0).
• the focus of the parabola is at F(0, -c).
• the directrix is the line y = c.
• the focal distance is c. Distance from the
origin to the focus and from the origin to the
directrix.
• the point (x, y) represents any point on the
curve.
• the axis of symmetry of this parabola is the
y-axis and the equation is x = 0.
• the length of latus rectum that passes
through the focus is 4c.

If we interchange the roles of x and y in the equation

𝒙𝟐 = 𝟒𝒄𝒚

the equation becomes

𝒚𝟐 = 𝟒𝒄𝒙, 𝒄>𝟎

4
Standard Equation of Parabola at (0,0) as the Vertex and Opens to the
Right

In the given graph,

• the vertex is the point of origin: V(0, 0).
• the focus of the parabola is at F(𝑐, 0).
• the directrix is the line 𝑥 = −𝑐.
• the focal distance is c. Distance from the
origin to the focus and from the origin to the
directrix.
• the point (𝑥, 𝑦) represents any point on
the curve.
• the axis of symmetry of this parabola is
the 𝑥 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠 and the equation is 𝑦 = 0.
• the length of latus rectum that pass
through the focus is 4c.

Standard Equation of Parabola at (0,0) as the Vertex and Opens to the Left

In the given graph,

• the vertex is the point of origin: V(𝟎, 𝟎).
• the focus is at F(−𝒄, 𝟎).
• the directrix is the line 𝒙 = 𝒄.
• the focal distance is c. Distance from the
origin to the focus and from the origin to the
directrix.
• the point (𝒙, 𝒚) represents any point on the
curve.
• the axis of symmetry of this parabola is the
𝑥 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠 and the equation is 𝒚 = 𝟎.
• the length of latus rectum that pass through
the focus is 4c.

Examples:
A. Find the equation of a parabola having the given properties:
1. With focus at (1,0) and directrix the line given by 𝑥 = −1.

Solution:

Given the focus at (𝑐, 0), we have F(1,0) giving the value of c equals 1. Since
point (1,0) is located on the x-axis to the right of the point of origin, the
parabola opens to the right. Since the standard equation of a parabola that
opens to the right is 𝑦2 = 4𝑐x, substituting the value of 𝑐 = 1 in the standard
equation, 𝑦2 = 4(1) will give us 𝒚𝟐 = 𝟒𝒙. Therefore, the equation that satisfies
the given properties is
𝒚𝟐 = 𝟒𝒙.

5
 2. With vertex at the origin, axis of symmetry is the y-axis and passing through the
point (4, -2).

Solution:
Based on the given conditions; the given point (x, y) equals (4, 2), the axis of
symmetry is vertical and the parabola opens downward. From the standard
equation:
𝑥2 = −4𝑐𝑦
and substituting the value of x and y in the standard equation
𝑥2 = −4𝑐𝑦
42 = −4(−2)
16 = 8𝑐 → 𝑐 = 2
Substituting the value of c in the equation 𝑥2 = −4𝑐𝑦 → 𝑥2 = −4(2)𝑦 will give
𝒙𝟐 = −𝟖𝒚.

B. Draw a sketch of the parabola given the following equations:

3. Equation: 𝑦2 = 4𝑥.

Solution:
First find the value of c. The given
equation is in the form of
𝑦 2 = 4𝑐𝑥 ,
a parabola that opens to the right. From the
given equation
𝑦 2 = 4𝑥
4𝑐 = 4
𝑐=1
Referring to the given:
Vertex: (0,0)
Focus: (𝑐, 0) → (1, 0)
Directrix: 𝑥 = −𝑐 → 𝑥 = −1
Length of Latus Rectum: 4𝑐 = 4(1)
= 4 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑠

4. Equation: 𝑥2 = −8𝑦

Solution:
Find the value of c first. The equation is
given in the form of
𝑥 2 = −4𝑐𝑦 ,
a parabola that opens downward. From the
given equation
𝑥 2 = −8𝑦
−4𝑐 = −8 → 𝑐 = 2
Based on the given:
Vertex: (0,0)
Focus: (0, −𝑐) → (0, −2)
Directrix: 𝑦 = 𝑐 → 𝑦 = 2
Length of Latus Rectum: 4𝑐 = 4(2)
= 8𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑠

6
PARABOLA WITH CENTER AT (h, k)

Consider the parabolas with vertex at (𝒉, 𝒌) and whose axis of symmetry is the line
𝒙 = 𝒉.
Thus, the standard equation of a parabola with vertex at (𝒉, 𝒌) can be written in
any of the following forms.
If the parabola opens upward, then the standard equation is
(𝒙 − 𝒉)𝟐 = 𝟒𝒄(𝒚 − 𝒌), 𝒄 > 𝟎
where the focus is on the line 𝒙 = 𝒉 and is 𝒄 units above the vertex at (𝒉, 𝒌).
If the parabola opens downward, then the standard equation is
(𝒙 − 𝒉)𝟐 = −𝟒𝒄(𝒚 − 𝒌), 𝒄>𝟎
where the focus is on the line 𝒙 = 𝒉 and is 𝒄 units below the vertex at (𝒉, 𝒌).

If the parabola opens to the right, then the standard equation is

(𝒚 − 𝒌)𝟐 = (𝒙 − 𝒉), 𝒄>0
where the focus is on the line 𝒚 = 𝒌 and is 𝒄 units to the right of the vertex at (𝒉, 𝒌).

If the parabola opens to the left, then the standard equation is

(𝒚 − 𝒌)𝟐 = −𝟒𝒄(𝒙 − 𝒉), 𝒄>𝟎
where the focus is on the line 𝒚 = 𝒌 and is 𝒄 units to the left of the vertex at (𝒉, 𝒌).

Note the following observations:

• If the 𝒙-part is squared, the parabola is vertical; if the 𝒚 -part is squared, the
parabola is horizontal.
• If the coefficient on the right term part is positive, the parabola opens upward or to
the right; if negative, the parabola opens downward or to the left.

7
PROPERTIES OF PARABOLA

Standard Equation of a Parabola with Vertex at (𝒉, 𝒌) and Opens Upwards

In the given graph,

• the vertex is NOT at the point of origin: V(𝒉,
𝒌).

• the focus of the parabola is at F(𝒉, 𝒌 + 𝒄).

• the directrix is the line 𝒚 = 𝒌 − 𝒄.

• the focal distance is c. Distance from the vertex

to the focus and from the vertex to the directrix.

• the point (𝒙, 𝒚) represents any point on the

curve.

• the axis of symmetry is vertical and the

equation is 𝒙 = 𝒉.

• the length of latus rectum that passes through

the focus is 4c.

Standard Equation of a Parabola with Vertex at (𝒉, 𝒌) and Opens Downward

In the given graph,

• the vertex is NOT at the point of origin:
V(𝒉, 𝒌).

• the focus of the parabola is at F(𝒉, 𝒌 − 𝒄).

• the directrix is the line 𝒚 = 𝒌 + 𝒄.

• the focal distance is c. Distance from

the directrix.

• the point (𝒙, 𝒚) represents any point on

the curve.

• the axis of symmetry is vertical and the

equation is 𝒙 = 𝒉.

• the length of latus rectum that passes

through the focus is 4c.

8
Standard Equation of a Parabola with Vertex at (𝒉, 𝒌) and Opens to the Right

In the given graph,

• the vertex is NOT at the point of origin: V(𝒉,
𝒌).

• the focus of the parabola is at F(𝒉 + 𝒄, 𝒌).

• the directrix is the line x = 𝒉 − 𝒄.

• the focal distance is c. Distance from the

vertex to the focus and from the vertex to the
directrix.

• the point (𝒙, 𝒚) represents any point on the

curve.

• the axis of symmetry is horizontal and the

equation is 𝒚 = 𝒌.

• the length of latus rectum that passes through

the focus is 4c.

Standard Equation of a Parabola with Vertex at (𝒉, 𝒌) and Opens to the Left

In the given graph,

• the vertex is NOT at the point of origin: V(𝒉, 𝒌).

• the focus of the parabola is at F(𝒉 − 𝒄, 𝒌).

• the directrix is the line 𝒙 = 𝒉 + 𝒄.

• the focal distance is c. Distance from the

vertex to the focus and from the vertex to the
directrix.

• the point (𝒙, 𝒚) represents any point on the

curve.

• the axis of symmetry is horizontal and the

equation is 𝒚 = 𝒌.

• the length of latus rectum that passes through

the focus is 4c.

9
Example 1.

Draw the parabola with equation (𝒙 − 𝟐)𝟐 = 𝟏𝟐(𝒚 − 𝟏).

Solution: To solve the given equation, we need to find the value of c. The given equation is
written in the form
(𝑥 − ℎ)2 = 4𝑐(𝑦 − 𝑘), with graph that
opens upward. Based on the given,
(𝑥 − 2)2 = 12(𝑦 − 1)
4𝑐 = 12 → 𝑐 = 3
Based on the given:
Vertex (ℎ, 𝑘): (2,1)
Focus (ℎ, 𝑘 + 𝑐): (2, 1 + 3) → (2,4)
Directrix: 𝑦 = 𝑘 − 𝑐
𝑦 = 1 − 3 → 𝑦 = −2
Length of Latus Rectum: 4𝑐
4(3) = 12 units
Axis of Symmetry: 𝑥 = ℎ → 𝑥 = 2

Example 2.
Draw the graph of (𝒙 + 𝟒)𝟐 = −𝟒(𝒚 − 𝟑).

Solution: To solve the given equation, first find the value of c. The given equation is written
in the
(𝑥 − ℎ)2 = −4𝑐(𝑦 − 𝑘), an equation with
Graph that opens downward. From the given
equation
(𝑥 + 4)2 = −4(𝑦 − 3)
−4𝑐 = −4 → 𝑐 = 1
Other values include:
Vertex (ℎ, 𝑘): (−4,3)
Focus (ℎ, 𝑘 − 𝑐): (−4, 3 − 1) → (−4, 2)
Directrix: 𝑦 = 𝑘 + 𝑐
𝑦=3+1→𝑦=4
Length of Latus Rectum: 4𝑐
4(1)
= 4 units
Axis of Symmetry: 𝑥 = ℎ → 𝑥 = −4
10
 Let’s Practice

Activity 1: Table Completion

Directions: Complete the table below about the main facts about parabola.

Forms of Parabolas y2 = 4cx y2 = -4cx x2 = 4cy x2 = -4cy

Direction of the Opening

Axis

Directrix

Vertex

Focus

Length of latus rectum

Equations of latus rectum

Activity 2: Match My Pair

Directions: Identify the form of equation from Column B to use from the cases stated in
Column A. Write the letter of your answer in the space provided before each number.

Column A Column B
____1. V(0,0), Parabola with horizontal axis of symmetry. A. (𝑦 − 𝑘)2 = 4c(𝑥 − ℎ)
____2. V(h,k), Parabola with horizontal axis of symmetry. B. (𝑥 − ℎ)2 = 4c(𝑦 − 𝑘)
____3. V(0,0), Parabola with vertical axis of symmetry. C. 𝑦2 = 4c𝑥
____4. V(h,k), Parabola with vertical axis of symmetry. D. (𝑥 − 𝑘)2 = 4c(𝑦 − ℎ)

E. 𝑥2 = 4𝑝𝑦

11
Activity 3: Tell Me What

Directions: Identify the vertex, focus, and directrix of the following parabolas. And sketch
the given equation in a clean graphing paper. Label the vertex, Focus and the Directrix
of your graph.
1. 𝑦2 = −8𝑥
Vertex: Focus: Directrix:

2. 𝑥2 = −12𝑦
Vertex: Focus: Directrix:

3. (𝑥 − 2)2 = 8(𝑦 + 1)
Vertex: Focus: Directrix:

4. (𝑦 + 3)2 = 12(𝑥 + 1)
Vertex: Focus: Directrix:

Let’s Do More
Activity 4. Parabola Make It Real

Directions: Read and analyze the given problem. Illustrate the given problem in a clean
sheet of graphing paper and label the parts of the parabola. Show your computation in a
clean sheet of paper. Scoring rubrics is presented below.

1. A searchlight has a parabolic reflector that forms a “bowl”, which is 12 inches wide
from rim to rim and 4 inches in deep and whose vertex can be located at the origin.
If the filament of the light bulb is located at the focus, how far from the vertex the
is the filament?

2. In a suspension bridge, the shape of the suspension cables is parabolic. The bridge
has towers that are 600 meters apart, and the lowest point of the suspension cables
is 150 meters below the top of the towers. Find the equation of the parabolic parts
of the cables, placing the origin of the coordinate system at the vertex.

12
 SCORING RUBRIC

Beginning Accomplishing Extending Score

Criteria
(1-2) (3-4) (5) (20)
List known
Understanding Misses some List known information and
the problem information information uses
representation
Makes a plan
Partially correct Uses correct
that leads to
Solving the procedure but procedure with
correct solution
problem with major minor
with no
mistakes procedural error
arithmetic errors
Correct answer
Getting the Correct answer
Wrong answer but with some
answer and label
labels missing
Neat work;
Sloppy work; Neat work; no
Neatness minimal
many erasures erasures
erasures
TOTAL

Let’s Sum Up
ACTIVITY 4. APPLYING LEARNED CONCEPT
Directions: Write a reflective learning on Lesson 3 by answering each given question.
The flower below is created using several parabolas. It is your turn to show your
creativity and skill in sketching parabola. Make the illustration on a clean sheet of bond
paper. Please be guided by the scoring rubrics given below.

13
 SCORING RUBRIC

Criteria 5 4 3 2 1
Content
(Accuracy
96-100% 91-95% 86-90% 81-85% 75-80%
and
accurate and accurate and accurate and accurate and accurate and
Completen
complete complete complete complete complete
ess of
Concepts)
96-100% 91-95% 86-90% 81-85% 75-80%
creative as to creative as to creative as to creative as to creative as to
appropriaten appropriaten appropriaten appropriaten appropriaten
Mechanics ess of choice ess of choice ess of choice ess of choice ess of choice
(Creativity) and and and and and
presentation presentation presentation presentation presentation
of the chosen of the chosen of the chosen of the chosen of the chosen
object object object object object
96-100% 91-95% 86-90% 81-85% 75-80%
Relevance
relevant to relevant to relevant to relevant to relevant to
to Present
the present the present the present the present the present
Needs
needs needs needs needs needs
TOTAL 15 12 9 6 3

Let’s Assess

Directions: Read and analyze the statements below. Write the letter of the correct
answer in a clean sheet of paper.

1. Given 𝑦 2 = −8𝑥, which is the following is the opening of the parabola?

A. Downward C. To the right
B. To the left D. Upward
2. Identify the coordinates of the focus of a parabola 𝑦 2 = −8𝑥.
A. (-2, 0) C. (0, 2)
B. (0, -2) D. (2, 0)
3. Determine the axis of symmetry of the parabola with the vertex at the origin and
focus at (0, -2).
A. 𝑥 = 0 C. 𝑥 = 2
B. 𝑦 = 0 D. 𝑦 = 2
4. Determine the equation of the directrix with vertex at the origin and focus at (0, -2)
A. 𝑥 = 0 C. 𝑥 = 2
B. 𝑦 = 0 D. 𝑦 = 2
5. Which of the following is the standard equation of a parabola if it opens to the left?
A. 𝑥 2 = 4𝑐𝑦 C. 𝑥 2 = −4𝑐𝑦
B. 𝑦 = 4𝑐𝑦
2 D. 𝑦 2 = −4𝑐𝑦

14
For numbers 4-5, please refer to the graph below:
6. What is the directrix of the parabola shown
above?
A. x=10 C. y = 10
B. x = 5 D. y = 2
7. What is the equation of the parabola shown above?
A. (𝑦 − 2)2 = −20(𝑥 − 5)
B. (𝑥 − 2)2 = −20(𝑦 − 5)
C. (𝑦 − 2)2 = 20(𝑥 − 5)
D. 𝑥2 = −20(𝑦 − 5)

For numbers 8-10, refer to the equation of parabola (𝑦 + 6)2 = −16(𝑥 − 2)

8. Where does the graph of the given equation of parabola open?

A. Upward C. Right
B. Downward D. Left
9. What is the value of c units?
A. 6 B. 2 C. 7 D. 4
10. What is the coordinates of the vertex of the parabola?
B. (6, -2) C. (2, -6)
C. (-6, 2) D. (-2, 6)

15
 16
ACTIVITY 3
1. Vertex : (0,0)
Focus : (-2,0)
POSTTEST
Directrix : x=2
1. B
2. Vertex : (0,0)
2. A
Focus : (0,-3)
3. A
Directrix : y=3
4. C
3. Vertex : (2,-1)
5. D
Focus : (2,1)
6. A
Directrix : y=-3
7. A
4. Vertex : (-3,-1)
8. D
Focus : (0,-1)
9. D
Directrix : x=-6
10. C
PRE-TEST
1. C
2. D
ACTIVITY 2 3. C
1. E 4. D
2. B 5. A
3. C 6. A
4. A 7. C
8. A
9. D
10. A
Key to Correction
 References
Books

Cengage Learning Asia Pte Ltd. Precalculus. Valenzuela, Philippines: JO-ES Publishing
House, Inc. 2016.

Department of Education - Bureau of Learning Resources. Precalculus Learner's Material.

2016.

Feliciano, and Uy. Modern Analytic Geometry. Manila: Meriam and Webster Bookstore,
Inc. 1994.

Munem, and Yizze. 2002. Pre Calculus: Functions and Graphs 7th Edition. Iowa, USA:
Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company.

Pelias, J.P. Pre-Calculus. Sampaloc, Manila: Rex Bookstore Inc. 2016.

Modules

Dela Cruz, J.C. Pre-calculus. Module 3: Parabola. First Edition. Schools Division of Puerto
Princessa. 2020.

Lugtu, Erwin C. Module 5: Pabola with Center at (h,k). First Edition. Schools Division of
Pasig City. 2020.

17
For comments or/and suggestions, please write or call:

Department of Education – MIMAROPA Region

Meralco Avenue, corner St. Paul Road, Pasig City, Philippines 1600
Telephone No. (02) 863-14070
Email Address: [email protected]

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