Question 144037
focus at (-3,4); directrix the line y=2 
given this information, how do you find: 
vertex (h,k) = 
a (distance between focus and vertex) = 
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i know that the parabola is going to open up and the formula for the 
directrix line is y= k-a 
and y= 2 , so that means k-a=2, but i do not know the vertex
and the value of a... 
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When you work with conics it is always good to draw the picture
using the information you are given so you can visualize the 
missing information.
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You have the focus at (-3,4) and the directrix at y =2
The vertex is always half-way between the focus and the directrix.
The y-difference between the point and the directrix is 4-2 = 2
Half that distance is 1
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So the vertex is at (-3,3)
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Cheers,
Stan H.