Question
upstudy study bank question image url

Write the equation in vertex form for the parabola with focus \( (0,10) \) and directrix \( y=6 \). Simplify any fractions.

Ask by Rose Cole. in the United States
Feb 03,2025

Real Tutor Solution

Tutor-Verified Answer

Answer

The equation of the parabola in vertex form is \( y = \frac{1}{8}x^{2} + 8 \).

Solution

To find the equation of the parabola in vertex form given the focus \( (0,10) \) and the directrix \( y=6 \), follow these steps: 1. **Determine the Vertex:** - The vertex lies exactly midway between the focus and the directrix. - The y-coordinate of the vertex is \( \frac{10 + 6}{2} = 8 \). - Thus, the vertex is at \( (0, 8) \). 2. **Find the Value of \( p \):** - \( p \) is the distance from the vertex to the focus. - \( p = 10 - 8 = 2 \). 3. **Determine the Orientation:** - Since the focus is above the directrix, the parabola opens **upward**. 4. **Use the Vertex Form Equation:** - The vertex form of a parabola that opens upward is: \[ y = a(x - h)^2 + k \] where \( (h, k) \) is the vertex. - Here, \( h = 0 \) and \( k = 8 \), so: \[ y = a x^2 + 8 \] 5. **Calculate \( a \):** - The value of \( a \) is related to \( p \) by the formula \( a = \frac{1}{4p} \). - Substituting \( p = 2 \): \[ a = \frac{1}{4 \times 2} = \frac{1}{8} \] 6. **Write the Final Equation:** - Substitute \( a \) back into the vertex form: \[ y = \frac{1}{8}x^2 + 8 \] **Final Answer:** \[ y = \frac{1}{8}\,x^{2} + 8 \]

Reviewed and approved by the UpStudy tutoring team

error msg
Explain
Simplify this solution

Extra Insights

To find the vertex form of the parabola, we first identify the vertex, which is located at the midpoint between the focus and the directrix. The focus is at \( (0, 10) \) and the directrix is \( y = 6 \). Calculating the vertex: \[ \text{Vertex} = \left(0, \frac{10 + 6}{2}\right) = \left(0, 8\right) \] Next, we determine the distance \( p \) from the vertex to the focus (or to the directrix). From the vertex \( y = 8 \) to the focus \( y = 10 \): \[ p = 10 - 8 = 2 \] Since the focus is above the directrix, the parabola opens upwards. The standard vertex form for a parabola that opens upwards is: \[ y = a(x - h)^2 + k \] where \( (h, k) \) is the vertex and \( a = \frac{1}{4p} \). Substituting \( h = 0 \), \( k = 8 \), and \( p = 2 \): \[ a = \frac{1}{4 \cdot 2} = \frac{1}{8} \] Thus, the vertex form of the parabola is: \[ y = \frac{1}{8}(x - 0)^2 + 8 \] In simplified form, the equation of the parabola is: \[ y = \frac{1}{8}x^2 + 8 \]

Related Questions

Try Premium now!
Try Premium and ask Thoth AI unlimited math questions now!
Maybe later Go Premium
Study can be a real struggle
Why not UpStudy it?
Select your plan below
Premium

You can enjoy

Start now
  • Step-by-step explanations
  • 24/7 expert live tutors
  • Unlimited number of questions
  • No interruptions
  • Full access to Answer and Solution
  • Full Access to PDF Chat, UpStudy Chat, Browsing Chat
Basic

Totally free but limited

  • Limited Solution
Welcome to UpStudy!
Please sign in to continue the Thoth AI Chat journey
Continue with Email
Or continue with
By clicking “Sign in”, you agree to our Terms of Use & Privacy Policy