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Question 418280: How do I solve for p in parabolas?
Answer by lwsshak3(11628)   (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website! How do I solve for p in parabolas?
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Standard forms for parabolas: x^2=4py and y^2=4px, with vertices at (0,0)
or (x-h)^2=4p(y-k) and (y-k)^2=4p(x-h), with vertices at (h,k)
The first equation is a parabola that open upwards.
The second equation is a parabola that open sideways.
To find p algebraically, just set the coefficient of the x or y term=4p, then solve for p.Sometimes you may need to complete the square first to put the equation in standard form. Graphically, p=half the distance between vertex and directrix on the axis of symmetry.
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