What are the steps for solving the equation of a parabola with a given directrix and focus?

Question

anonymous · Answer

Using the distance formula

driftracer305 · Answer

can u write the equation?

anonymous · Answer

I am using the distance formula

driftracer305 · Answer

k first find the midpoint  of the distance between the focus and the directrix.....

driftracer305 · Answer

that mid-point will be ur vertex

anonymous · Answer

ok. So which equation would I use to find the distance?

driftracer305 · Answer

depends on ur equation.......... but try to find a common point that is at an equal distance from the focus and directrix.........it will be vertex........... now use the absolute value of the difference of directrix and y-value of vertex........... that will be your p.....

the formula is (x-h)^2 = 4p(y-k)........... nw just substitute the h and k and p values..........


@Chuck_O_Beast

anonymous · Answer

Oh.. okay. Then what

driftracer305 · Answer

then just substitute all values......... u r done man

anonymous · Answer

Alright thnx man. I got it!