SOLUTION: Find the equation of the parable when the focus is (3,4) and directrix y:-2. Use the distance formula or using focal length. Please helphelp!!

Algebra ->  Quadratic Equations and Parabolas  -> Quadratic Equations Lessons  -> Quadratic Equation Lesson -> SOLUTION: Find the equation of the parable when the focus is (3,4) and directrix y:-2. Use the distance formula or using focal length. Please helphelp!!       Log On


   

Question 976508: Find the equation of the parable when the focus is (3,4) and directrix y:-2. Use the distance formula or using focal length. Please helphelp!!
Answer by josgarithmetic(39616) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
That's right! Use the distance formula and the definition of a parabola, according to your given focus and directrix.

The parabola described is the set of (x,y) points which conforms to
sqrt%28%28x-3%29%5E2%2B%28y-4%29%5E2%29=sqrt%28%28x-x%29%5E2%2B%28y-%28-2%29%29%5E2%29

Simplify that equation.

(BEGIN BY WORKING INSIDE GROUPING SYMBOLS, CONTINUE BY SQUARING BOTH SIDES OF THE EQUATION, AND THEN,... finish to SIMPLIFY!)