Question

What is the value of p in the equation y^ = -4x?

Answer 1

p=-1

Step-by-step explanation

The given equation is

`{y}^(2) = - 4x`

We compare with the general equation of the parabola with vertex at the origin.

`{y}^(2) =4px`

Comparing the right hand side we have,

`4px = - 4x`

Divide both sides by 4x

`(4px)/(4x) = ( - 4x)/(4x)`

This implies that,

`p = - 1`