document.write( "Question 698401: determine the orientation of the parabola.
\n" ); document.write( " directrix: x= -3; p= 4\r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "a.opens down c.opens up
\n" ); document.write( "b.opens right d.opens left \n" ); document.write( "
Algebra.Com's Answer #430762 by Positive_EV(69)\"\" \"About 
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The directrix determines whether the parabola opens up/down or left/right. In this case, the parabola has a directrix in the form x = a, meaning it will open to the left or right. (A parabola with a directrix in the form y = a opens up or down).

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\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "Next, look at the sign of p. Since p is positive, the parabola opens to the right (if p were less than zero, it'd open to the left).
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\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( "Incidentally, if the directrix were in the form y = a and the parabola opened up or down, a p value that is positive indicates the parabola opens up, and a p value that is negative indicates the parabola opens down. \n" ); document.write( "

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