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| Question 832240:  How do you find the P and the directrix of the equation of a parabola with its focus on (4,-2) and a vertex of (4,-4)?
 I tried solving for P but I don't know if it's correct. Here's my solution for P:
 Since focus is (h + P, k) in terms of y or (h, P + k)in terms of x, I don't know if the equation is in terms of y or x, so I just made a guess, so: (4 + P, -4);  P=-4 or (4, P - 4); P=4?
 And also, how do you find P if vertex is at (2,1) and the directrix is at x = -2?
 I'm really confused in finding for P but I understand how the basics work in conic sections. Your help will be really appreciated.
 
 Answer by lwsshak3(11628)
      (Show Source): 
You can put this solution on YOUR website! How do you find the P and the directrix of the equation of a parabola with its focus on (4,-2) and a vertex of (4,-4)? how do you find P if vertex is at (2,1) and the directrix is at x = -2?
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 In the first case, parabola opens upward.
 Its basic equation: (x+h)^2=4p(y-k)
 (x-4)^2=4p(y+4)
 axis of symmetry: x=4
 focus: (4,-2)
 p=2 (distance(-2 to -4) from focus to vertex on the axis of symmetry)
 directrix: y=-6
 ..
 In the 2nd case, parabola opens rightward.
 axis of symmetry: y=1
 p=4 (distance(-2 to 2) from directrix to vertex on the axis of symmetry)
 focus: (6,1)
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