Question 616517
Show the vertex forms of a parabola y= 1/4c(x-h)² + k. Can you explain how to find the vertex, focus, and diretrix from the vertex form, and show how to graph a parabola
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y= (1/4c)(x-h)² + k
rewrite equation
(y-k)=(1/4c)(x-h)²
(x-h)^2=4c(y-k)
This is an equation of a parabola that opens upwards.
vertex:(h,k)
axis of symmetry: x=h
focus: c distance above vertex on the axis of symmetry
directrix:c distance below vertex on the axis of symmetry
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Graphing:
Having the (x,y) coordinates of the vertex and knowing that the parabola opens upwards can give you a good idea what the curve looks like. For more completeness, you can use x or y intercepts and the knowledge that the curve has an axis of symmetry.