Understanding Parabolas: Definitions & Equations
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ScribdTranslationsUnderstanding Parabolas: Definitions & Equations
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ScribdTranslationsIntroduction
The graph of aquadratic functionit is a parabola. But the geometric concept of
the parabola is broader, as we will see below.
The following graph shows a 'horizontal parabola':
There are also rotated parabolas. For example, if we were to graph it in some
computer programthe set of points that satisfy the equation
x2+2xy+y2+2x–2y=0
we would obtain the following graph:
To recognize that this graph indeed conforms to the definition, characteristics and
analytical expression of a parabola, we must useeigenvalues and eigenvectors. (EI am
we will see later in Unit 8: Applications of diagonalization
Definition of parabola
Given a point F
(focus) and a rectal
(directrix), a parabola is referred to as the set of points in the plane that are equidistant from
focus and the guideline.
Symbolically:
P={P(x,y)|d(P,r)=d(P,F)}
Note that we are defining the parabola as a set of points that verify
certain geometric property, not like the graph of a quadratic function (which is like
you all knew her until now.
The focal points are the perpendicular axis to the directrix that passes through the focus. It is the axis of
symmetry of the parabola.
The point of the parabola that belongs to the focal axis is called the vertex.
For the scheme we made, the coordinates of the vertex are V(0,0)
the focus F(c,0) and the directrix is given by r: x=-c. The coordinates of a
generic point that belongs to the directive are (–c, y)
Now with these data, we are going to deduce the equation. By definition:
d(P,r)=d(P,F)
Distance between a point P and the directrix:
Distance between a point P and the focus:
We equal them according to the definition.
Where the vectors and their modules are:
−−→PQ=(–c–x,0)
PF=(c–x,–y)
Now substituting and operating we arrive at:
√c² + 2cx + x² = √c² - 2cx + x² + y²
c2 + 2cx + x2 = c2 - 2cx + x2 + y2
y2 = 4cx (c ≠ 0)
What is the canonical equation of the parabola with V(0,0)?
and focal axis y=0 (x axis
).
Where yes,
c>0⇒
The branches of the parabola point to the right
c < 0⇒
The branches of the parabola point to the left
Similarly to what has been developed for a parabola with a horizontal focal axis, one can
make the deduction for parabolas with a vertical focal axis. If we permute variables
about the canonical expression we have the canonical expression of the vertical parabola:
x2=4cy
Canonical equation of the parabola with V(0,0)
and focal axis x=0 (and y axis)
).
Where yes,
c>0⇒
The branches of the parabola point upwards
c<0⇒
The branches of the parabola point downwards.
Coordinates of the focus: F(0,c)
Equation of the directrix: y = -c
Ordinary equation of the parabola
Consider a parabola whose vertex V(α,β)
does not match the origin of the system
:
What would be the equation of the parabola in the xy reference system?
We cannot answer this at the moment. But if we set up a new system that...
center matches with V
the canonical equation in this new system would be:
y'2 = 4cx'
We need to perform a translation of axes in order to have the equation written in the
systemic
What coordinates does point P have?
regarding each system?
The point is the same but we are changing the reference system:
Coordinates of P in system x'y'
Coordinates of P in system xy
The relationship between the two coordinate systems is as follows:
x' + α = x
y' + β = y
Reordering:
{x′=x–αy′=y–β
These are the equations of axis translation.
If we replace the translation equations in the expression y'2=4cx'
we obtain the equation in the original system:
(y–β)2=4c(x–α)
This is the ordinary equation of the parabola with vertex V(α,β)
and focal axis parallel to the x-axis
Similarly:
(x–α)² = 4c(y–β)
It is the equation of the parabola with vertex V(α,β)
and focal axis parallel to the y-axis
How do we tell if the focal axis is vertical or horizontal? By observing which of the
the variable is squared:
I
it's squared, then it's horizontal.
Six
it is squared, then it is vertical.
Example
Find the equation of the parabola with directrix x=4
and focus F(–2,0)
.
Resolution
It is advisable to create an analysis figure that represents the data from the statement:
The absolute value of dec
it is the distance from the vertex to the focus.
|c|=d(V,F)
The vertex is on the focal axis and at the same distance from the focus as from the directrix:
V=(-2+42,0)=(1,0)
Focal axis: axes
As the axis is horizontal, the equation has the form:
(y–β)²=4c(x–α)
(y–0)² = 4c(x–1)
It remains to calculate the absolute value of dec
|c|=d(F,V)=3
Since the focus is to the left of the vertex, then c = -3.
So it remains:
y2 = -12(x - 1)
Straight side
The directrix is the length of the string that is perpendicular to the focal axis and passes through the
focus. It can be proven that the length of the straight side is |4c|
∣∣LL′∣∣=|4c|
We leave the demonstration to the interested reader.
From ordinary equation to general equation
We start from the ordinary equation:
(y–β)²=4c(x–α)
We develop the square of a binomial:
y2 - 2βy + β2 = 4cx - 4cα
y2 – 4cx – 2βy + β2 + 4cα = 0
We rename the coefficients of the equation like this:
y2 + Dx + Ey + F = 0
This is the general equation. Note that there is only one variable that is squared.
and the other is linear.
We propose the following questions:
SiE=0
where is the vertex located?
What is the general equation of a vertical axis parabola?
Example
Analyze what geometric place is represented by the following equation:
y^2 + 4x - 2y + 2 = 0
What curve do the points that satisfy this equation represent? Noting that a
the variable is squared, we can think of a parabola.
We should arrive at the following model:
(y–β)²=4c(x–α)
First, we need to complete the squares in y.
y2 - 2y + 12 - 12 = (y - 1)2 - 1
So
(y-1)² - 1 + 4x + 2 = 0
(y–1)² = –4x–1
(y–1)2=–4(x+14)
This is the standard equation of the parabola that has V(–14,1)
and focal axis parallel to the axis
.
Exercise for the reader 2
We have seen that any parabola with an axis parallel to the x-axis can be expressed by a
type equation y2 + Dx + Ey + F = 0
Pero… si D = 0,
Does the equation correspond to a parabola?
2) What geometric place does each of these equations represent?
a) y² - 2y + 2 = 0
b)y2–2y–3=0