Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
CARAGA ADMINISTRATIVE REGION
DIVISION OF BUTUAN CITY

Learning Competencies

At the end of the lessons, the learner can:

1. define a parabola;
2. determine the standard form of equation of a parabola;
3. solve situational problems involving conic sections (parabolas).

Basic Key Concepts

Definition and Equation of a Parabola

Consider the point 𝐹(0, 2) and the line 𝑙 having equation 𝑦 = −2,
as shown in the figure. What are the distances of 𝐴(4, 2) from 𝐹
and from 𝑙? (The latter is taken as the distance of 𝐴 from 𝐴𝑙 , the
point on 𝑙 closest to 𝐴). How about the distances of 𝐵(−8, 8) from
𝐹 and from 𝑙 (from 𝐵𝑙 )?

|𝐴𝐹| = √(4 − 0)2 + (2 − 2)2 = 4 and |𝐴𝐴𝑙 | = 4

|𝐵𝐹| = √(−8 − 0)2 + (8 − 2)2 = 10 and |𝐵𝐵𝑙 | = 10

There are other points 𝑃 such that |𝑃𝐹| = |𝑃𝑃𝑙 | (where 𝑃𝑙 is the closest point on line 𝑙). The collection of all such
points forms a shape called a parabola.

Let 𝐹 be a given point, and 𝑙 be a given line not containing 𝐹. The set of all points 𝑃 such
that its distances from 𝐹 and from 𝑙 are the same, is called a parabola. The point 𝐹 is its
focus and the line 𝑙 its directrix.

Orientation Standard Equation Graph

(Vertex (ℎ, 𝑘))

Opens Upward (𝒙 − 𝒉)𝟐 = 𝟒𝒄(𝒚 − 𝒌)

Opens Downward (𝒙 − 𝒉)𝟐 = −𝟒𝒄(𝒚 − 𝒌)

Opens to the Right (𝒚 − 𝒌)𝟐 = 𝟒𝒄(𝒙 − 𝒉)

 Opens to the Left (𝒚 − 𝒌)𝟐 = −𝟒𝒄(𝒙 − 𝒉)

If the vertex of the parabola is at the origin, depending on the orientation, the standard equation will become

𝑥 2 = 4𝑐𝑦, or 𝑥 2 = −4𝑐𝑦, or 𝑦 2 = 4𝑐𝑥, or 𝑦 2 = −4𝑐𝑥

Properties of a Parabola

Endpoints of
Axis of
Orientation Equation Vertex Focus Directrix the Latus
Symmetry
Rectum

𝐿1 (ℎ − 2𝑐, 𝑘 + 𝑐)
Opens Upward (𝑥 − ℎ)2 = 4𝑐(𝑦 − 𝑘) (ℎ, 𝑘) (ℎ, 𝑘 + 𝑐) 𝑦=𝑘−𝑐 𝑥=ℎ
𝐿2 (ℎ + 2𝑐, 𝑘 + 𝑐)

𝐿1 (ℎ − 2𝑐, 𝑘 − 𝑐)
Opens Downward (𝑥 − ℎ)2 = −4𝑐(𝑦 − 𝑘) (ℎ, 𝑘) (ℎ, 𝑘 − 𝑐) 𝑦=𝑘+𝑐 𝑥=ℎ
𝐿2 (ℎ + 2𝑐, 𝑘 − 𝑐)

𝐿1 (ℎ + 𝑐, 𝑘 − 2𝑐)
Opens to the Right (𝑦 − 𝑘)2 = 4𝑐(𝑥 − ℎ) (ℎ, 𝑘) (ℎ + 𝑐, 𝑘) 𝑥 = ℎ−𝑐 𝑦=𝑘
𝐿2 (ℎ + 𝑐, 𝑘 + 2𝑐)

𝐿1 (ℎ − 𝑐, 𝑘 − 2𝑐)
Opens to the Left (𝑦 − 𝑘)2 = −4𝑐(𝑥 − ℎ) (ℎ, 𝑘) (ℎ − 𝑐, 𝑘) 𝑥 = ℎ+𝑐 𝑦=𝑘
𝐿2 (ℎ − 𝑐, 𝑘 + 2𝑐)

Vertex - the point midway the focus and directrix

Focus - 𝑐 units away from the vertex

Directrix - 𝑐 units away from the vertex

Axis of Symmetry - line passing through the vertex and

focus

Latus Rectum - segment perpendicular to the axis of

symmetry passing through the focus
with its endpoints on the parabola. Its
length is 4𝑐.

Examples:

Find the standard equation of the parabola which satisfies the given conditions.

1. Vertex (1, −9), focus (−3, −9)

2. Focus (7,11), directrix 𝑥 = 1
3. Vertex (−5, −7), vertical axis of symmetry, through point 𝑃(7,11)

Solutions:

1. Since the focus (−3, −9) is on the vertex (1, −9), the parabola opens to the left (you can verify this by
plotting the points in the 𝑥𝑦 – plane). Hence, its equation is of the form

(𝑦 − 𝑘)2 = −4𝑐(𝑥 − ℎ).

To find the value of 𝑐, we will just take the distance of the focus from the vertex. Thus, applying the
distance formula, we have

2
𝑐 = √(−3 − 1)2 + (−9 − (−9))
= √(−4)2 + (0)2
=4
 Therefore, the standard equation of the ellipse is

𝟐
(𝒚 − (−𝟗)) = −𝟒(𝟒)(𝒙 − 𝟏) or (𝒚 + 𝟗)𝟐 = −𝟏𝟔(𝒙 − 𝟏).

2. The directrix is vertical and the focus is at its right. Hence, the parabola opens to the right. Hence, the
standard equation is of the form

(𝑦 − 𝑘)2 = 4𝑐 (𝑥 − ℎ).

Since the distance of the focus from the vertex is 𝑐, and the distance of the directrix from the vertex is
also 𝑐, it follows that the distance of the focus from the directrix is 2𝑐. That is,

2𝑐 = 7 − 1 = 6 ⟹ 𝑐 = 3.

Consequently, the vertex is (4,11), the point 3 units away from the focus and directrix. In effect, the
standard equation of the parabola is

(𝒚 − 𝟏𝟏)𝟐 = 𝟒(𝟑)(𝒙 − 𝟒) or (𝒚 − 𝟏𝟏)𝟐 = 𝟏𝟐(𝒙 − 𝟒).

3. Since the axis of symmetry is vertical and point 𝑃(7,11) is located above the vertex (you can verify this
by graphing these line and points in the 𝑥𝑦 – plane), the parabola opens upward. Its equation is

(𝑥 − ℎ)2 = 4𝑐(𝑦 − 𝑘 ).

Substituting the vertex (−5, −7) and the point 𝑃(7,11), to the equation, we have
2
(7 − (−5)) = 4𝑐(11 − (−7))
(7 + 5)2 = 4𝑐(11 + 7)
(12)2 = 4𝑐 (18)
144 = 72𝑐
2=𝑐

Thus, the standard equation is

𝟐
(𝒙 − (−𝟓)) = 𝟒(𝟐)(𝒚 − (−𝟕)) or (𝒙 + 𝟓)𝟐 = 𝟖(𝒚 + 𝟕).

General form of equation of a Parabola

If we expand the standard equation of a parabola, the equation will be of the form

𝑨𝒙𝟐 + 𝑪𝒙 + 𝑫𝒚 + 𝑬 = 𝟎, where 𝑨, 𝑫 ≠ 𝟎 or 𝑩𝒚𝟐 + 𝑪𝒙 + 𝑫𝒚 + 𝑬 = 𝟎, where 𝑩, 𝑪 ≠ 𝟎

This is the general form of equation of a parabola.

Examples:

Identify the vertex, focus, directrix, axis of symmetry, and endpoints of the latus rectum of the parabola with the
given equation in each item. Sketch its graph and indicate these points and lines.

1. 3𝑦 2 = 24𝑥
2. 𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 + 8𝑦 = 7
3. 16𝑥 2 + 72𝑥 − 112𝑦 = −221

Solutions:

To solve the given problems, we need to transform the given equations into their standard form by completing
the squares.

1. 3𝑦 2 = 24𝑥
 𝑦 2 = 8𝑥 Divide both sides of the equation by 3.

The equation can also be written as (𝑦 − 0)2 = 4(2)(𝑥 − 0). Hence, the parabola opens to the right with
𝑐 = 2. Now, applying the properties of the parabola that opens to right we have,

Vertex = (0,0)

Focus = (ℎ + 𝑐, 𝑘) = (0 + 2,0) = (2, 0)

Directrix: 𝑥 =ℎ−𝑐
𝑥 =0−2
𝑥 = −2

Axis of Symmetry: 𝑦=𝑘 ⟹ 𝑦=0

Endpoints of the Latus Rectum:

𝐿1 = (ℎ + 𝑐, 𝑘 − 2𝑐) = (0 + 2,0 − 2(2)) = (2, −4)

𝐿2 = (ℎ + 𝑐, 𝑘 + 2𝑐) = (0 + 2,0 + 2(2)) = (2, 4)

2. 𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 + 8𝑦 = 7

(𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 ) = −8𝑦 + 7 Group and isolate

(𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 + 9) = −8𝑦 + 7 + 9 Complete the square

(𝑥 + 3)2 = −8𝑦 + 16 Factor and simplify

(𝑥 + 3)2 = −8(𝑦 − 2) Factor out −8

The equation can also be written as (𝑥 + 3)2 = −4(2)(𝑦 − 2). Hence, the parabola opens downward
with 𝑐 = 2. Now, applying the properties of the parabola that opens downward we have,

Vertex = (−3,2)

Focus = (ℎ, 𝑘 − 𝑐 ) = (−3,2 − 2) = (−3, 0)

Directrix: 𝑦=𝑘+𝑐
𝑦 =2+2
𝑦=4

Axis of Symmetry: 𝑥 = ℎ ⟹ 𝑥 = −3

Endpoints of the Latus Rectum:

𝐿1 = (ℎ − 2𝑐, 𝑘 − 𝑐) = (−3 − 2(2),2 − 2) = (−7,0)

𝐿2 = (ℎ + 2𝑐, 𝑘 − 𝑐) = (−3 + 2(2), 2 − 2) = (1, 0)

3. 16𝑥 2 + 72𝑥 − 112𝑦 = −221

(16𝑥 2 + 72𝑥 ) = 112𝑦 − 221 Group and isolate

9 Factor out the leading coefficients in 𝑥

16 (𝑥 2 + 𝑥) = 112𝑦 − 221
2
2
9 81 81 Complete the square
16 (𝑥 + 𝑥 + ) = 112𝑦 − 221 + 16 ( )
2 16 16
9 2
16 (𝑥 + ) = 112𝑦 − 140 Factor and simplify
4
9 2 5
16 (𝑥 + ) = 112 (𝑦 − ) Factor out 112
4 4
 9 2 5
(𝑥 + ) = 7 (𝑦 − ) Divide both sides by 16
4 4

9 2 7 5
The equation can also be written as (𝑥 + 4) = 4 (4) (𝑦 − 4). Hence, the parabola opens upward with
7
𝑐 = 4. Applying the properties, we have

9 5
Vertex = (− 4 , 4)

9 5 7 9
Focus = (ℎ, 𝑘 − 𝑐 ) = (− 4 , 4 + 4) = (− 4 , 3)
Directrix: 𝑦=𝑘−𝑐
5 7
𝑦 =4−4
1
𝑦 = −2

9
Axis of Symmetry: 𝑥 = ℎ ⟹ 𝑥 = −4

Endpoints of the Latus Rectum:

9 7 5 7 23
𝐿1 = (ℎ − 2𝑐, 𝑘 + 𝑐) = (− − 2 ( ) , + ) = (− , 3)
4 4 4 4 4
9 7 5 7 5
𝐿2 = (ℎ + 2𝑐, 𝑘 + 𝑐) = (− + 2( ), + ) = ( , 3)
4 4 4 4 4

Situational Problems involving Parabolas

Problem No. 1

A satellite dish has a shape called a paraboloid, where each

cross-section is a parabola. Since radio signals (parallel to the axis)
will bounce off the surface of the dish to the focus, the receiver
should be placed at the focus. How far should the receiver be from
the vertex, if the dish is 12 ft across, and 4.5 ft deep at the vertex?

Solution:

The figure shows a cross-section of the satellite dish drawn on a rectangular coordinate system, with the vertex
at the origin. Hence, the standard equation is of the form

𝑥 2 = 4𝑐𝑦

From the problem, we deduce that (6,4.5) is a point on the parabola. We need the distance of the receiver
(focus) from the vertex, that is, the value of 𝑐 in 𝑥 2 = 4𝑐𝑦. Now, by substition, we have

(6)2 = 4𝑐(4.5)
36 = 18𝑐
2=𝑐

Thus, the receiver should be 2 ft away from the vertex.

Problem No. 2

The cable of a suspension bridge hangs in the

shape of a parabola. The towers supporting the cable
are 400 ft apart and 150 ft high. If the cable, at its lowest,
is 30 ft above the bridge at its midpoint, how high is the
cable 50 ft away (horizontally) from either tower?

Solution:
In the figure, the parabola opens upward with vertex (0,30). Thus, it satisfies the equation

𝑥 2 = 4𝑐(𝑦 − 30).

Based on the problem, it can be deduced that (200,150) is a point on the parabola. By substitution, we have

𝑥 2 = 4𝑐(𝑦 − 30) ⟹ (200)2 = 4𝑐(150 − 30)

40000 = 480𝑐
250
=𝑐
3
Hence, the equation becomes

250 1000
𝑥2 = 4 ( ) (𝑦 − 30) ⟹ 𝑥 2 = (𝑦 − 30).
3 3

Now, to find the height of the cable 50 ft away from either tower, we can use 𝑥 = 150 (see the given figure). By
substitution, we have

1000 1000
𝑥2 = (𝑦 − 30) ⟹ (150)2 = (𝑦 − 30)
3 3
1000
22500 = (𝑦 − 30)
3
67500 = 1000(𝑦 − 30)
67500
= 𝑦 − 30
1000
67.5 = 𝑦 − 30
97.5 = 𝑦

Therefore, the cable is 97.5 ft high.