First get into standard form, which is Then the vertex is (h,k), the focus is (h,k+p), and the equation of the directrix is y=k-p ----------------------------------------------- Instead of doing your homework for you, I'll do one exactly like it. Then you can use it as a model to do yours step by step Clear of fractions by multiplying through by 20 Get the x terms on the left side and all the other terms on the right Complete the square on the left: 1. Multiply the coefficient of x, which is 40, by 1/2, getting 20 2. Square what you got, 202=400 3. Add that, 400, to both sides of the equation Factor the left side as (x+20)(x+20) and write it as (x+20)2 Combine the -200+400 on the right as +200 Factor out the coefficient of y, which is -20 on the right, remembering that when you factor out a negative, you get a sign change inside the parentheses: Compare that to where the vertex is (h,k), the focus is (h,k+p), and the equation of the directrix is y=k-p So h = -20, 4p = -20, k=10. And since 4p =-20, p = -5. So the vertex is (-20,10), the focus is (-20,10-5) or (-20,5) (-20,5) <-- focus and the equation of the directrix is y=10-(-5) or y = 15 Now you can do yours exactly the same way step by step. Edwin