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

@BulletWithButterflyWings

Answer 2

@lncognlto do you get it? or are you able to explain it to me?

Answer 3

I'm sorry, Chandler, I don't know about focus and directx off the top of my head. I can look it up, but it might take a little while... Do you want me to?

Answer 4

Eh I'm sure there is one person that does. Don't worry about it. Thanks though! @lncognlto

Answer 5

@Shikanu

Answer 6

Cool cool :)

Answer 7

@nincompoop

Answer 8

@nincompoop

Answer 9

the general form is

\[x^2 = -4ay\]

since the directrix is above the focus


well the distance between the focus and directrix is 2a

so 16 = 2a, so a = 8

substitute it into the equation.

and you get the parabola

Answer 10

Thank you!! @campbell_st

Answer 11

so wait I will get x^2 = -4(8)y ?

Answer 12

giving me x^2 = -32y?

Answer 13

Now what?... @campbell_st

Answer 14

thats the equation or it can be written as

y = -1/32 x^2