Graph the parabola: x - 2 = 1/8 (y+1)^2

my attempt to solve:
h = 2
p = 2
k = 1

vertex: (2,1)
directrix: 0
focus: (4,1)

My question is actually - do I take h as 2 or -2? ._. I'm never sure when to ignore the sign and when not to do that. Also, should k be -1 as well?

Question

Graph the parabola: x - 2 = 1/8 (y+1)^2

my attempt to solve:
h = 2
p = 2
k = 1

vertex: (2,1)
directrix: 0
focus: (4,1)

My question is actually - do I take h as 2 or -2? ._. I'm never sure when to ignore the sign and when not to do that. Also, should k be -1 as well?

dumbcow · Answer

k=-1

its x = a(y-k)^2 + h
so y+1 = y-(-1)

anonymous · Answer

Ok thanks. What if you have this one though: y - 2 = 1/16 (x - 1)^2
Is h = -1 or 1?

dumbcow · Answer

h=1
a trick is to set what is in parenthesis equal to 0
x-1 = 0
x = 1
thus
h=1

anonymous · Answer

I finally got it. Thanks a lot!

dumbcow · Answer

yw