50.7k views
5 votes
If the focal point is (2,5) and the directrix is y = -7. Find the equation of the parabola.

1 Answer

5 votes

Answer:

The equation of the parabola is (x-2)^2 = 48(y-5)

Explanation:

Mathematically, we can obtain the equation of a parabola from its focal point and the directrix given.

Firstly, we need to find the distance between the director and the vertex

That would be ;

|-7-(5)| = 12

We should kindly note that the directrix is below the vertex and thus it is a right-side parabola with a positive value of p = 12

Thus, the equation needed would be;

(x-h)^2 = 4p(y-k)

From the question, h = 2

p = 12 ( calculated) and k = 5

So the equation would be;

(x-2)^2 = 4(12)(y-5)

= (x-2)^2 = 48(y-5)

User Matthew Allen
by
3.7k points