A LEARNING
MODULE INPRE -
CALCULUS
MILANI M. UDAL
INSTRUCTOR
CHAPTER 1: TOPICS in ANALYTIC GEOMETRY
In this chapter, we will discuss the conic sections, an important class of curves, which
appears in many applications. We will study also the system of equations that involve nonlinear
equations, as many real-life applications require the solution of such more challenging systems
than linear ones.
Lesson 1.2: Parabolas
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this lesson, the student should be able to:
1. Define a parabola;
2. Determine the equation of a parabola in standard form; and
3. Sketch a parabola in a rectangular coordinate system.
DISCUSSION:
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. Applications of parabolas are presented at the end.
Definition: Let F be a given point, and l a given line not containing F. The set of all points P such
that its distances from F and from l are the same, is called a parabola. The point F is its focus
and the line l its directrix.
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Theorem: (Equation of a Vertical or Horizontal Parabola with Vertex at the Origin)
An equation of a parabola having
(i.) Focus at F(0,c) and directrix the line 𝑦 = −𝑐 is 𝑥 2 = 4𝑐𝑦.
(ii.) Focus at F(c,0) and directrix the line 𝑥 = −𝑐 is 𝑦 2 = 4𝑐𝑥.
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Example 1.2.1:
1. Sketch the parabola 𝑥 2 = 4𝑦, showing its focus, directrix, and latus erectum.
Solution:
2. 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 2 = 12𝑦 (2.) 𝑥 2 = −6𝑦
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3. Find an equation of the parabola:
(a.) With focus at (0,2) and directrix y = -2.
(b.) With focus at (-1, 0) and directrix x = 1.
Solution:
We just apply the above theorem directly:
(a.) With c = 2, an equation of this parabola is 𝑥 2 = 8𝑦
(b.) With c = -1, an equation of this parabola is 𝑦 2 = −4𝑥
ACTIVITY 1.3
Directions: Show your complete solution.
1. Sketch the graph, and indicate the focus, directrix, vertex, and axis of symmetry.
(a.) 𝑦 2 = −4𝑥
(b.) 𝑥 2 = 10𝑦
2. Find an equation of the parabola:
(a.) With focus at (0, -4) and directrix y = 4.
(b.) With focus at (3, 0) and directrix x = -3.
(c.) With focus at (0, -3.5) and directrix y = 3.5.
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More Properties of Parabolas
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Theorem: (Equation of a Vertical or Horizontal Parabola in Standard Form)
An equation of a parabola having vertex at 𝑉(ℎ, 𝑘):
1. Focus at 𝐹(ℎ, 𝑘 + 𝑐) and directrix the line 𝑦 = 𝑘 − 𝑐 is (𝑥 − ℎ)2 = 4𝑐(𝑦 − 𝑘).
2. Focus at 𝐹(ℎ + 𝑐, 𝑘) and directrix the line 𝑥 = ℎ − 𝑐 is (𝑦 − 𝑘)2 = 4𝑐(𝑥 − ℎ).
Example 1.2.2:
1. 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?
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2. Determine the vertex, focus, directrix, and axis of symmetry of the parabola with the
given equation. Sketch the parabola, and include these points and lines.
(a.) 𝑦 2 − 5𝑥 + 12𝑦 = −16
(b.) 5𝑥 2 + 30𝑥 + 24𝑦 = 51
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3. A parabola has focus F(7, 9) and directrix y = 3. Find its standard equation.
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ACTIVITY 1.4
Directions: Show your solutions concisely.
1. Determine the vertex, focus, directrix, and axis of symmetry of the parabola with the given
equations. Sketch the graph, and include these points and lines.
(a.) 𝑥 2 − 6𝑥 + 5𝑦 = −34
(b.) 𝑥 2 − 16 = 8𝑦
(c.) 4𝑥 = −𝑦 2 + 2𝑦 − 5
2. Find the standard equation of the parabola.
(a.) A parabola has focus F(-2, -5) and directrix x = 6.
(b.) With vertex at 𝑉(6, −4) and a focus at 𝐹(−2, −4).
(c.) A parabola has focus F(2, 5) and directrix y = -3.
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