SOLUTION: Find an equation for a parabola that has its vertex at the origin in the given condition Focus on the positive x-axis, 2 units away form its directrix Please explain how to sol

Algebra ->  Quadratic-relations-and-conic-sections -> SOLUTION: Find an equation for a parabola that has its vertex at the origin in the given condition Focus on the positive x-axis, 2 units away form its directrix Please explain how to sol      Log On


   



Question 949331: Find an equation for a parabola that has its vertex at the origin in the given condition
Focus on the positive x-axis, 2 units away form its directrix
Please explain how to solve
Thank you

Answer by josgarithmetic(39617) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Focus is some positive value on x-axis;
Vertex at (0,0);
Directrix must be on the NEGATIVE part of x-axis. Why? Vertex is in the middle.

Focus is (-2,0) and Directrix is (2,y).
Notice that focus is a specific point, while directrix is a specific LINE.

Think about how you could do the rest of this solution (still unfinished). Make a graph of the information you know, refer to the definition of a parabola, and use the Distance Formula to make the equation and simplify it.