Question

Please help. I am totally lost!!!!!
Identify the vertex, focus, and directrix of the parabola with the equation x^2 – 6x – 8y + 49 = 0.

Answer 1

put it into the form for a parabola.

Answer 2

In standard form, it would be (x-3)^2=8(y-5), right???

Answer 3

Putting it in vertex from is where I have trouble

Answer 4

use this!

Answer 5

can you explain what p is???

Answer 6

I really would like to put it into vertex form, though (it makes more sense)

Answer 7

did you look at the attachment? it explains everything.

Answer 8

I did, but it is a little confusing (to me). Is p in this one like 1/(4c) in vertex form??

Answer 9

@Spacelimbus can you help me???

Answer 10

do you know how to "complete the square"??

Answer 11

@kausaralley
I tried and got (x-3)^2=8(y-5) in standard form. What I really want to know is if y=1/8(x-3)^2-5 is correct vertex form.

Answer 12

@kausarsalley

Answer 13

i don't think so
you are supposed to get a value
i am going to help you through the procedure if you want

Answer 14

okay

Answer 15

basically, I did this:
x^2-6x+9-8y+49=9
x^2-6x+9=8y-49+9
(x-3)^2=8y-40
and then factored the right side

Answer 16

Please help me @phi @Directrix @experimentX

Answer 17

All I really want to know is how to put it into vertex form. I think I can do the rest from there.

Answer 18

sorry ... was busy around.

Answer 19

(x-3)^2=8(y-5)

Answer 20

how do I put it into vertex form????

Answer 21

vertex ... 3, 5

Answer 22

Okay, but I want to make sure I understand this. Basically, how did you get that answer???

Answer 23

Sorry to nag.

Answer 24

(x-3)^2=8(y-5)
3 5

Answer 25

The reason I wanted to use the vertex form is because I can find the directix and focus from it. How would you go about that with this??

Answer 26

I don't know I almost forgot everything about conics .. let's see what I can do.

Answer 27

how do you find it's directrix?