Question

Find the standard form of the equation of the parabola with a focus at (0, -8) and a directrix at y = 8.

Answer 1

can you tell me which direction this parabola opens?

Answer 2

uhh it goes down right?

Answer 3

x = means up, y = means down right? @whpalmer4

Answer 4

if the focus is at (0,-8) and the directrix is at y=8, we have the following picture

Answer 5

the definition of a parabola is the the set of points equidistant from a point (the focus) and a line (the directrix). where will the vertex of the parabola be in this picture?

Answer 6

umm... (0, 8)?

Answer 7

no -8

Answer 8

0, -8 @whpalmer4

Answer 9

The vertex is half way between the directrix and the focus.

Answer 10

so then it's 0,0

Answer 11

That is correct.