how do you find the value of "p" in a parabola when given ordered pairs

Question

anonymous · Answer

What do you mean by value 'p'? @kartgirl21

mertsj · Answer

Find the equation of the parabola and write it in the form x^2=4py or y^2=4px

mertsj · Answer

@genius12 In a parabola, the focus and the directrix are "p" units from the vertex.

anonymous · Answer

I see.

anonymous · Answer

the question on my paper just says "how do u find the value of p in a parabola when given ordered pairs?" what do i say????

mertsj · Answer

Use the ordered pairs to find the equation of the parabola.  Once you have found the equation of the parabola, write it in the form y^2=4px or x^2=4py.  Then you will know the value of 4p.  Divide it by 4 to find p.

anonymous · Answer

thanks!

mertsj · Answer

yw