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Jation in vertex form for the parabola with focus \( (0,-7) \) and directrix \( y=9 \) fractions.

Ask by Gray Watson. in the United States
Feb 03,2025

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Answer

The equation of the parabola in vertex form is \( y = -\frac{1}{32}x^{2} + 1 \).

Solution

To find the equation of the parabola in vertex form given the focus and directrix, follow these steps: ### Given: - **Focus:** \((0, -7)\) - **Directrix:** \(y = 9\) ### Step 1: Find the Vertex The vertex of a parabola is exactly halfway between the focus and the directrix. \[ \text{Vertex } y\text{-coordinate} = \frac{-7 + 9}{2} = \frac{2}{2} = 1 \] Since the focus is at \((0, -7)\) and directly below the vertex, the vertex is: \[ \text{Vertex } = (0, 1) \] ### Step 2: Determine the Parameter \(p\) The distance \(p\) between the vertex and the focus (or directrix) determines the "width" and the direction the parabola opens. \[ p = \text{Vertex } y\text{-coordinate} - \text{Focus } y\text{-coordinate} = 1 - (-7) = 8 \] Since the focus is below the vertex, the parabola opens downward, so \(p = -8\). ### Step 3: Write the Vertex Form Equation The vertex form of a parabola that opens vertically is: \[ y = a(x - h)^2 + k \] Where: - \((h, k)\) is the vertex. - \(a = \frac{1}{4p}\) Substituting the values: \[ a = \frac{1}{4(-8)} = -\frac{1}{32} \] \[ h = 0 \quad \text{and} \quad k = 1 \] So, the equation becomes: \[ y = -\frac{1}{32}(x - 0)^2 + 1 \] \[ \boxed{y = -\,\dfrac{1}{32}\,x^{2} + 1} \]

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Bonus Knowledge

To find the equation of the parabola in vertex form, we first determine the vertex, which lies halfway between the focus and the directrix. The focus at \( (0,-7) \) and the directrix \( y=9 \) gives us a vertex at \( (0,1) \). The distance from the vertex to the focus (or the directrix) is \( 8 \), which means \( p = -8 \) for a parabola opening downwards. The vertex form can then be expressed as \( y = a(x-h)^2 + k \), where \( (h,k) \) is the vertex. Plugging in our values, the equation of the parabola is: \[ y = -\frac{1}{32}(x-0)^2 + 1 \] Did you know that parabolas aren’t just abstract concepts? They actually appear in nature and engineering! For instance, the path of a projectile follows a parabolic trajectory. Understanding this shape helps in optimizing the design of structures like bridges, antennas, and even satellite dishes, which utilize parabolic reflectors to focus signals. Another fun fact: parabolas have unique reflective properties! If you shine a light inside a parabola, the rays reflect off the parabolic surface and pass through the focus. This principle is used in car headlights, sound dishes, and even telescopes to gather and focus light, making it a practical application in our daily lives and technology!

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