SOLUTION: find the equation of a parabola with the focus (-1,-4) and directrix y=-3

Question 456555: find the equation of a parabola with the focus (-1,-4) and directrix y=-3
Answer by robertb(5830) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The equation of the parabola has the form

From the given, the x-coordinate of the vertex must be -1. The y-coordinate must be midway between y = -3 and y = -4. Hence, k = -7/2.
Also, a = -4 - (-7/2) = -1/2, the directed distance from the focus to the vertex.
==> , or

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