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What is the equation of the parabola with a focus at (0, -5) and directrix y = 5?

My answer was x=-1/20y^2

User ShoeLace
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1 Answer

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We are given focus at (0, -5) and directrix y = 5.

The formula for equation of directrix is y = k - p.

And formula for focus is (h, k + p).

On comparing focus (0, -5) and (h, k + p), h=0.

k+p = -5 ----------------equation(1)

On comparing directrix y = k - p and y = 5.

k- p = 5 ----------------equation(2)

Adding eqautions (1) and (2).

k+p = -5

k- p = 5

_________

2k = 0.

k=0

Plugging k=0 in first equation, we get

k+p = -5

0 + p = -5.

p = -5.

We know, parabola equation (x - h)^2 = 4p (y - k)

Plugging h,k and p value in the above equation, we get

(x - 0)^2 = 4(-5) (y - 0)

x^2 = -20y.

Dividing both sides by -20, we get

-1/20 x^2 = y.

Or


y=-(1)/(20)x^2

Therefore, the equation of the parabola is
y=-(1)/(20)x^2.



User Ethan Coon
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