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Mathematics 10 Online
OpenStudy (anonymous):

If a parabola's focus is at (1, −1) and the directrix is at y = 7, what is the equation representing this parabola?

OpenStudy (amistre64):

use the definition of a parabola .. equate the distances

OpenStudy (amistre64):

all points (x,y) that are the same distance from the focus as they are from the directrix

OpenStudy (owlcoffee):

As an addition to Amistre: The parabola is the geometric place constituted by all the points equally distant from a fixed point called "focus" and a line called "directrix".

OpenStudy (amistre64):

so the distance from 1,-1 and x,7 are the same (x-1)^2 + (y+1)^2 = (x-x)^2 + (y-7)^2

OpenStudy (amistre64):

the rest is just mathing it into submission :)

OpenStudy (anonymous):

thank you bunchessss :) I need help with one more

OpenStudy (amistre64):

im only alloted so many smarts in one day ... :)

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