Chapter 2

PARABOLA

At the end of the lesson, you are expected to:

1. define a parabola.
2. determine the standard form equation of the parabola.
3. graph a parabola in a rectangular coordinate system, and
4. solve problems involving parabola.

Performance Standard
The learners shall be able to model situations appropriately and solve problems
accurately using parabola.

Time allotment: 4 hours (week 2)

Let 𝑃(𝑥, 𝑦) be a point on a parabola with focus at (𝑝, 0) and whose directrix 𝑑 is
the line given by 𝑥 = −𝑝. Also, let Q be the projection of P on its direction d. (fig. 2.1)

Fig. 2.1

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 From Fig. 2.1, a parabola is the set of all points on the plane which are equidistant
from a fixed point and a fixed line. The fixed point is called the focus and fixed line is the
directrix.
In Fig. 2.1, we see that P lies on the parabola with focus at (p, 0) and directrix given
by 𝑥 = −𝑝. Since QP is equidistant with FP, it follows that
𝐹𝑃 = 𝑄𝑃
√(𝑥 − 𝑝) + 𝑦 2 = √(𝑥 + 𝑝)2
2

(𝑥 − 𝑝)2 + 𝑦 2 = (𝑥 + 𝑝)2
𝑥 − 2𝑝𝑥 2 + 𝑝2 + 𝑦 2 = 𝑥 2 + 2𝑝𝑥 2 + 𝑝2
2

𝑦 2 = 2𝑝𝑥 + 2𝑝𝑥

𝒚𝟐 = 𝟒𝒑𝒙 (2.1)

The equation 𝑦 2 = 4𝑝𝑥 is called the standard equation of a parabola with vertex
at the origin, focus at (𝑝, 0) the line given by 𝑥 = −𝑝 as directrix and the x-axis as the axis
of symmetry. Equation (2.1) describes the equation of the parabola opening to the right
with vertex 𝑉 (0, 0) at the origin. The vertex V is the point midway between the focus and
the directrix. The line given by 𝑥 = −𝑝 is called directrix. It is 𝑝 units away from the
vertex. The x-axis 𝑦 = 0 is called the axis of symmetry. This line divides the parabola into
two parts which are mirror images of each other.

If 𝑦 2 = 4𝑝𝑥 is the equation of a parabola, then

a.) The parabola opens to the right if 𝑝 > 0
b.) The parabola opens to the left if 𝑝 < 0
Fig.2.2 shows the graph of 𝑦 2 = 4𝑝𝑥 which opens to the right and to the left
depending on the sign of 𝑝.

Fig. 2.2

By interchanging the roles of x and y in the equation 𝑦 2 = 4𝑝𝑥, we obtain the

equation 𝑥 2 = 4𝑝𝑦 which is the standard equation of a parabola with vertex at the origin,
focus at (0, p), the line gives by 𝑦 = −𝑝 as directrix on the y-axis as its principal axis.
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 If 𝑥 2 = 4𝑝𝑦 is the equation of a parabola, then
a) The parabola opens upward if 𝑝 > 0
b) The parabola opens downward if 𝑝 < 0

Fig.2.3 shows the graph of 𝑥 2 = 4𝑝𝑦 which opens upward and downward depending
on the sign of 𝑝.

Fig. 2.3

In the equation 𝑦 2 = 4𝑝𝑥 or 𝑥 2 = 4𝑝𝑦, the number p is the directed distance from the
vertex to the focus; while – 𝑝 is the directed distance from the vertex to the directrix. The line
segment joining two points on a parabola which passes through the focus of the parabola and
perpendicular to its principal axis is called latus rectum of the parabola. The length of the
latus rectum of a parabola given by 𝑦 2 = 4𝑝𝑥 or𝑥 2 = 4𝑝𝑦 is |4𝑝|

Examples

For each of the given equations of a parabola, find the following:

a.) Coordinate of the vertex and the focus
b.) Axis of symmetry
c.) Equation of the directrix
d.) Coordinate of the endpoints of the latus rectum
e.) Draw a sketch of the parabola
1. 𝑥 2 = 4𝑦
2. 𝑦 2 = −12𝑥

Solution

1. Since the equation 𝑥 2 = 4𝑦 is of the form𝑥 2 = 4𝑝𝑦, the vertex is at the origin (0, 0)
with the y-axis as the principal axis. And since, the equation 𝑥 2 = 4𝑦 is quadratic in x
and𝑝 > 0, the parabola opens upward.
We now solve for the value of p
4𝑝 = 4 Length of LR
𝑝=1 Distance from vertex to focus and vertex to directrix (directrix is
below the vertex)
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 4𝑝 = 4
2𝑝 = 2 Distance from focus to the left and right of the right of the focus

Fig.2.4

2. The equation 𝑦 2 = −12𝑥 is of the form 𝑦 2 = 4𝑝𝑥. So, the vertex is at the origin
𝑉 (0, 0) with the x-axis as the axis of symmetry. Since the equation 𝑦 2 = −12𝑥 is
quadratic in y and 𝑝 < 0, the parabola opens to the left.
We now solve for the value of 𝑝

4𝑝 = 12 Length of LR
𝑝=3 Distance from vertex to focus and vertex to directrix (directrix is to the
right of the vertex)
4𝑝 = 12
2𝑝 = 6 Endpoints above and below the focus

Fig.2.5

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 3. Find the equation of a parabola with focus at (0, 4) and directrix, the line given by
𝑦 = −4.

Solution:

Draw a sketch of a parabola with focus at (0, 4) and the directrix 𝑦 = −4.
The value of 𝑝 = 4. This is the distance from vertex to directrix and from vertex to
focus. So,
𝑝=4
4𝑝 = 4(4) = 16 length of LR
4𝑝 = 16
2𝑝 = 8 distance of LR from focus

Since the vertex is midway between the focus and directrix, it coincides with
the origin. Since the standard equation of the parabola is of the form 𝑥 2 = 4𝑝𝑦 with
4𝑝 = 16, the equation of the parabola is 𝑥 2 = 16𝑦. The sketch of this parabola is
given in Fig.2.6.

Fig.2.6

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 PARABOLA WITH VERTEX AT V(h, k)

If the vertex of the parabola is at the point (ℎ, 𝑘) and the axis of symmetry of the
parabola is the line 𝑦 = 𝑘, the standard equation of the parabola is ;

(𝒚 − 𝒌)𝟐 = 𝟒𝒑(𝒙 − 𝒉) (2.2)

As stated, the parabola opens to the right or to the left depending on the sign of 𝑝.
Fig.2.7 shows the graph of this equation with corresponding coordinates of the vertex, focus,
ends of the latus rectum, equations of the directrix and axis of symmetry.

a. (𝒚 − 𝒌)𝟐 = 𝟒𝒑(𝒙 − 𝒉), 𝒑 > 0 , opens to the right

b. (𝒚 − 𝒌)𝟐 = −𝟒𝒑(𝒙 − 𝒉), 𝒑 < 0, opens to the left

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 Fig. 2.7

If the vertex of the parabola is at the point (ℎ, 𝑘) and the axis of symmetry of the
parabola is the line 𝑥 = ℎ, the standard equation of the parabola is :

(𝒙 − 𝒉)𝟐 = 𝟒𝒑(𝒚 − 𝒌) (2.3)

The parabola opens upward or downward depending on the sign of 𝑝. Fig.2.8 (a and
b) describes the properties mentioned above.

a. (𝒙 − 𝒉)𝟐 = 𝟒𝒑(𝒚 − 𝒌), 𝒑 > 0 opens upward

b. (𝒙 − 𝒉)𝟐 = −𝟒𝒑(𝒚 − 𝒌), 𝒑 < 0 opens downward

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 Fig. 2.8
Table 2.1 gives the corresponding coordinates and equations of the parts of a parabola
with respect to the opening of its graph.

Table 2.1
Parts of the Parabola with Vertex at (h, k)

Axis of
Endpoints of Latus Graph
Standard Equation Focus Directrix symmet
Rectum opens
ry
𝐿𝑅1 (ℎ + 𝑝, 𝑘 + 2𝑝)
(𝑦 − 𝑘 )2 = 4𝑝(𝑥 − ℎ) (ℎ + 𝑝, 𝑘 ) 𝑥 =ℎ−𝑝 𝑦=𝑘 right
𝐿𝑅2 (ℎ + 𝑝, 𝑘 − 2𝑝)
𝐿𝑅1 (ℎ − 𝑝, 𝑘 + 2𝑝)
(𝑦 − 𝑘 )2 = −4𝑝(𝑥 − ℎ) (ℎ − 𝑝, 𝑘 ) 𝑥 =ℎ+𝑝 𝑦=𝑘 left
𝐿𝑅2 (ℎ − 𝑝, 𝑘 − 2𝑝)
𝐿𝑅1 (ℎ − 2𝑝, 𝑘 + 𝑝)
(𝑥 − ℎ)2 = 4𝑝(𝑦 − 𝑘) (ℎ, 𝑘 + 𝑝) 𝑦 = 𝑘−𝑝 𝑥=ℎ upward
𝐿𝑅2 (ℎ + 2𝑝, 𝑘 + 𝑝)
𝐿𝑅1 (ℎ − 2𝑝, 𝑘 − 𝑝)
(𝑥 − ℎ)2 = −4𝑝(𝑦 − 𝑘) (ℎ, 𝑘 − 𝑝) 𝑦 = 𝑘+𝑝 𝑥=ℎ downward
𝐿𝑅2 (ℎ + 2𝑝, 𝑘 − 𝑝)

Examples

For each of the following equations of the parabola, find the coordinates of vertex and the
focus, equation of the directrix and axis of symmetry, and coordinates of the ends of latus
rectum. Draw a sketch of a parabola and include these points.

1. (𝑥 − 2)2 = 12(𝑦 − 1)
2. (𝑦 + 2)2 = −16(𝑥 + 3)

Solutions:

1. The equation (𝑥 − 2)2 = 12(𝑦 − 1) is of the form (𝑥 − ℎ)2 = 4𝑝(𝑦 − 𝑘) with

vertex at 𝑽(𝟐, 𝟏) whose directrix is horizontal and axis of symmetry is vertical, and
the parabola opens upward. From the equation,

4𝑝 = 12 length of the latus rectum

𝑝 = 3 distance from vertex to focus and vertex to directrix

So, the focus has the coordinates, 𝐹 (ℎ, 𝑘 + 𝑝) with ℎ = 2, 𝑘 = 1, and 𝑝 = 3, then
:
𝐹 (ℎ, 𝑘 + 𝑝) = 𝐹 (2, 1 + 3) = 𝑭(𝟐, 𝟒)

Since the directrix is horizontal, its equation is given by:

𝑦 = 𝑘 − 𝑝 , 𝑘 = 1 and 𝑝 = 3
𝒚 = −𝟐

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 Then 2𝑝 = 6 is the distance from focus to ends of LR. Therefore, the coordinates of
the ends of latus rectum are given by 𝐿𝑅1 (ℎ − 2𝑝, 𝑘 + 𝑝) and 𝐿𝑅2 (ℎ + 2𝑝, 𝑘 + 𝑝).
Hence,

𝐿𝑅1 (ℎ − 2𝑝, 𝑘 + 𝑝) = 𝑳𝑹𝟏 (−𝟒, 𝟒)

𝐿𝑅2 (ℎ + 2𝑝, 𝑘 + 𝑝) = 𝑳𝑹𝟐 (𝟖, 𝟒)

Fig.2.9

2. The equation (𝑦 + 2)2 = −16(𝑥 + 3) is of the form (𝑦 − 𝑘)2 = 4𝑝(𝑥 − ℎ) with vertex at
𝑽(−𝟑, −𝟐) whose directrix is vertical and axis of symmetry is horizontal and the parabola
opens to the left because of the negative sign. From the equation,

4𝑝 = 16 length of the latus rectum

𝑝 = 4 distance from vertex to focus and vertex to directrix

So, the focus has the coordinates, 𝐹 (ℎ − 𝑝, 𝑘 ) with ℎ = −3, 𝑘 = −2, and
𝑝 = 4, then :
𝐹 (ℎ − 𝑝, 𝑘 ) = 𝐹 (−3 − 4, −2) = 𝑭(−𝟕, −𝟐)

Since the directrix is vertical, its equation is given by:

𝑥 = ℎ + 𝑝 , ℎ = −3 and 𝑝 = 4
𝒙 = 𝟏

Then 2𝑝 = 8 is the distance from focus to ends of LR. Therefore, the coordinates of
the ends of latus rectum is given by 𝐿𝑅1 (ℎ − 2𝑝, 𝑘 + 𝑝) and 𝐿𝑅2 (ℎ − 2𝑝, 𝑘 − 𝑝). Hence,

𝐿𝑅1 (ℎ − 𝑝, 𝑘 + 2𝑝) = 𝐿𝑅1 (−3 − 4, −2 + 8) = 𝑳𝑹𝟏 (−𝟕, 𝟔)

𝐿𝑅2 (ℎ − 𝑝, 𝑘 − 2𝑝) = 𝐿𝑅1 (−3 − 4, −2 − 8) = 𝑳𝑹𝟐 (−𝟕, −𝟏𝟎)

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 Fig.2.10

3. Determine the coordinates of the vertex and focus and find the equations of the
directrix and the axis of symmetry from the given equations of the parabola. Sketch
the parabola, and include these points and lines.
a. 𝑦 2 − 5𝑥 + 12𝑦 = −16
b. 5𝑥 2 + 30𝑥 + 24𝑦 = 51

Solutions:

a. 𝑦 2 − 5𝑥 + 12𝑦 = −16, use this equation to transform to standard form of the

equation of the parabola. Then,

𝑦 2 − 5𝑥 + 12𝑦 = −16
𝑦 2 + 12𝑦 = 5𝑥 − 16
𝑦 2 + 12𝑦 + 36 = 5𝑥 − 16 + 36
(𝑦 + 6)2 = 5𝑥 + 20
(𝑦 + 6)2 = 5(𝑥 + 4)

The resulting equation (𝑦 + 6)2 = 5(𝑥 + 4) is of the form (𝑦 − 𝑘)2 =

4𝑝(𝑥 − ℎ). The resulting equation has vertex at 𝑉(−4, −6) and opens to the right
with vertical directrix and horizontal axis of symmetry. So,

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 4𝑝 = 5
5 1
𝑝 = 𝑜𝑟 1
4 4

The value of 𝑝 is the distance from vertex to focus and to the directrix.
Therefore, the focus has the coordinates, 𝐹 (ℎ + 𝑝, 𝑘 ) with ℎ = −4, 𝑘 = −6, and
5
𝑝 = 4. Then,
5 𝟏𝟏 𝟑
𝐹 (ℎ + 𝑝, 𝑘 ) = 𝐹 (−4 + 4 , −6) = 𝑭(− , −𝟔) or 𝑭(−𝟐 𝟒 , −𝟔)
𝟒
And the directrix has an equation,
5
𝑥 = ℎ − 𝑝 = −4 − 4
𝟐𝟏
𝒙 =−𝟒
The axis of symmetry has also an equation of 𝑦 = 𝑘 = −6.

5 𝟓
Now, 2𝑝 = 2 (4) = 𝟐 is the distance from focus to ends of latus rectum
upward and downward. Therefore, the coordinates of the ends of latus rectum is given by
𝐿𝑅1 (ℎ + 𝑝, 𝑘 + 2𝑝) and 𝐿𝑅2 (ℎ + 𝑝, 𝑘 − 2𝑝). Hence,

5 5 𝟏𝟏 𝟕
𝐿𝑅1 (ℎ + 𝑝, 𝑘 + 2𝑝) = 𝐿𝑅1 (−4 + , −6 + ) = 𝑳𝑹𝟏 (− ,− )
4 2 𝟒 𝟐
5 5 𝟏𝟏 𝟏𝟕
𝐿𝑅2 (ℎ + 𝑝, 𝑘 − 2𝑝) = 𝐿𝑅1 (−4 + , −6 − ) = 𝑳𝑹𝟐 (− ,− )
4 2 𝟒 𝟐

Fig.2.11
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 b. 5𝑥 2 + 30𝑥 + 24𝑦 = 51, use this equation to transform to standard form of the
equation of a parabola, so that :

5𝑥 2 + 30𝑥 + 24𝑦 = 51
24 51
𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 + 5 𝑦 = 5
24 51
𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 + 9 = − 𝑦+ +9
5 5
24 51+45
𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 + 9 = − 𝑦+
5 5
24 96
(𝑥 + 3)2 = − 𝑦+
5 5
24
(𝑥 + 3)2 = − (𝑦 − 4)
5

24
The resulting equation (𝑥 + 3)2 = − 5 (𝑦 − 4) is of the form (𝑥 − ℎ)2 =
−4𝑝(𝑦 − 𝑘 ) whose vertex is at 𝑉(−3, 4) and opens downward with horizontal
directrix and vertical axis of symmetry. So,
24
4𝑝 =
5
6 1 3 16
𝑝 = 5 or 1 5 𝐿𝑅2 (− 5 , 5 )

The value of p is the distance from the vertex to focus and vertex to directrix.
Then,
24
4𝑝 = 5
12 2
2𝑝 = or 2 5
5

The value of 2p is the distance from focus to ends of LR from left to right.
Fig.2.12 is the sketch of this parabola.

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 Fig.2.12

Coordinates of the focus:

6 14
𝐹 (ℎ, 𝑘 − 𝑝) = 𝐹 (−3, 4 − 5) = 𝐹 (−3, 5 )
Coordinates of the directrix (horizontal):
6 26
𝑦 = 𝑘 + 𝑝 = 4+5 = 5

Coordinates of the ends of LR from left to right:

14 12 14 27 14
𝐿𝑅1 (−3 − 2𝑝, ) = 𝐿𝑅1 (−3 − , ) = 𝐿𝑅1 (− , 5)
5 5 5 5

14 12 14 3 14
𝐿𝑅2 (−3 + 2𝑝, 5 ) = 𝐿𝑅1 (−3 + , 5 ) = 𝐿𝑅2 (− 5 , 5 )
5

Parabolas are used to design many objects we use every day, such as telescopes,
suspension bridges, microphones, and radar equipment. Parabolic mirrors, such as the one
used to light the Olympic torch, have a very unique reflecting property. When rays of light
parallel to the parabola’s axis of symmetry are directed toward any surface of the mirror, the
light is reflected directly to the focus. This is why the Olympic torch is ignited when it is held
at the focus of the parabolic mirror. Fig.2.13 shows the reflecting property of a parabola.
Parabolic mirrors have the ability to focus the sun’s energy to a single point, raising the
temperature hundreds of degrees in a matter of seconds. Thus, parabolic mirrors are featured
in many low-cost, energy efficient solar products, such as solar cookers, solar heaters, and
even travel-sized fire starters.

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 Fig.2.13

The following examples illustrate word problem solving involving parabola.

Examples

1. A parabolic arch has a height of 20 m and a width of 36 m at the base. If the vertex of
the parabola is at the top of the arch, at which height above base is it 18 m wide?

Solution:

Let the base of the arch coincide with the 𝑥 – 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠 such that the top of the
arch lies on the 𝑦 – 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠.

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 Fig.2.14

The vertex has the coordinates (0, 20). Since, the parabola is symmetric with
respect to the y – axis, and the width of the base is 36 m, then (±18, 0) are the
coordinates of the endpoints of the base of the parabola.
Since we are asked to find the value of y when x = 9, so, we need to find out
the equation of the parabola. The parabola is of the form (𝑥 − ℎ)2 = 4𝑝(𝑦 − 𝑘 ) or it
is:
(𝑥 − 0)2 = 4𝑝(𝑦 − 20)
𝑥 2 = 4𝑝(𝑦 − 20)

Thus, the parabola contains the points(±18, 0), and

𝑥 2 = 4𝑝(0 − 20)
(18)2 = 4𝑝(−20)
182
4𝑝 = −20
324
4𝑝 = − 20
81
4𝑝 = −
5

Therefore, the equation of the parabola is given by

81
𝑥 2 = − 5 (𝑦 − 20)

Solving for y when 𝑥 = 9

81
92 = − 5 (𝑦 − 20)
81
81 = − 5 (𝑦 − 20)
5 = −(𝑦 − 20)
5 = −𝑦 + 20)
𝑦 = 20 − 5
𝒚 = 𝟏𝟓

Therefore, the arch is 15 m high when the base is 18 m wide from the center.

2. A satellite dish has a shape called a paraboloid, where each cross section is a
parabola. Since radio signals will bounce off the surface of the dish to the focus, the
receiver should be placed at the focus, How far should the receiver be from the vertex
if the dish is 12 ft across, and 4.5 ft deep at the vertex?

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 Fig.2.15
Solution:

Since the paraboloid opens upward, it is of the form 𝑥 2 = 4𝑝𝑦 whose vertex is
at the origin. The parabola has the point(6, 4.5). Therefore,
𝑥 2 = 4𝑝𝑦 , (6, 4.5)
62 = 4𝑝(4.5)
62
4𝑝 = 4.5
36
4𝑝 = 4.5
4𝑝 = 8
𝑝= 2

The value of p is the distance from the vertex to focus. Therefore, the receiver
should be 2 ft away from the vertex.

3. A searchlight has a parabolic reflector (has a cross section that forms a bowl). The
parabolic bowl is 16 inches wide from rim to rim and 12 inches deep. The filament of
the light bulb is located at the focus.
a. What is the equation of the parabola used for the reflector?
b. How far from the vertex is the filament of the light bulb?

Solution:

Assuming that the vertex of the parabolic reflector is at the origin and its
filament is the focus as illustrated in Fig.2.15.

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 Fig. 2.16

Since the parabolic reflector opens upward, it is of the form 𝑥 2 = 4𝑝𝑦 whose
vertex is at the origin. The parabola has the point (8, 12). Therefore,
𝑥 2 = 4𝑝𝑦 , (8, 12)
82 = 4𝑝(12)
82
4𝑝 = 12
64
4𝑝 =
12
16
4𝑝 = 3
4
𝑝= 3

The value of p is the distance from the vertex to focus. Therefore, the filament
of the light bulb is 1.33 inches from the vertex of the reflector.

Now, the equation of the parabola used in the reflector is of the form 𝑥 2 =
16
4𝑝𝑦, where 4𝑝 = 3 . Its equation is given by:

𝑥 2 = 4𝑝𝑦
16
𝑥2 = 𝑦
3

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Parabola is the set of all points on the plane which are equidistant from a fixed point and a
fixed line. The fixed point is called the focus and fixed line is the directrix.

• Standard equation of the parabola with vertex at the origin and the major axis is the
𝑦 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠:

𝑦 2 = 4𝑝𝑥

When 𝑝 > 0, the parabola opens to the right and when 𝑝 < 0 the parabola
opens to the left.

• Standard equation of the parabola with vertex at the origin and the major axis is the
𝑥 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠:

𝑥 2 = 4𝑝𝑦

When 𝑝 > 0, the parabola opens to the upward and when 𝑝 < 0 the parabola
opens to the downward.

• Standard equation of the parabola with vertex at 𝑉(ℎ, 𝑘) and the axis symmetry is the
𝑥 = ℎ:

(𝑦 − 𝑘)2 = 4𝑝(𝑥 − ℎ)

When 𝑝 > 0, the parabola opens to the right and when 𝑝 < 0 the parabola
opens to the left.

• Standard equation of the parabola with vertex at 𝑉(ℎ, 𝑘) and the axis symmetry is the
𝑦 = 𝑘:

(𝑦 − 𝑘)2 = 4𝑝(𝑥 − ℎ)

When 𝑝 > 0, the parabola opens to the upward and when 𝑝 < 0 the parabola
opens downward.

WORKTEXT IN PRECALCULUS
K – 12 Basic Education Curriculum
Page 42
Name: ____________________________________________ Score: ________________
Grade Level: ______________________________________ Date : _________________

1. Determine the vertex, focus, directrix and axis of symmetry of the parabola with the
given equation. Sketch the graph, and include these points and lines.
a. 𝑥 2 + 14𝑥 − 24𝑦 = 119
b. 9𝑦 2 − 12𝑦 − 36𝑥 − 8 = 0
2. The parabola has its focus at (6, 3) and directrix 𝑦 = −3. Find the standard equation
of the parabola and sketch its graph.
3. A suspension bridge cable hangs in a parabolic arch as shown in the figure below. If
the weight is distributed uniformly along a horizontal, the bridge is 100 m long, the
towers are 33 m high and the cable is 8 m above the floor off the bridge at the center.
Find the equation of the parabola by using the midpoint of the bridge as the origin.
How high is the cable 20 m from the end of the bridge?

Fig.2.17

4. A cross-section of a design for a travel-sized solar fire starter is shown in Fig 2.18.
The sun’s rays reflect off the parabolic mirror toward an object attached to the igniter.
Because the igniter is located at the focus of the parabola, the reflected rays cause the
object to burn in just seconds.
a. Find the equation of the parabola that models the fire starter. Assume that the
vertex of the parabolic mirror is the origin of the coordinate plane.
b. Use the equation found in part (a) to find the depth of the fire starter.

Fig.2.18
WORKTEXT IN PRECALCULUS
K – 12 Basic Education Curriculum
Page 43
Name: ____________________________________________ Score: ________________
Grade Level: ______________________________________ Date : _________________

Show your solution here:

WORKTEXT IN PRECALCULUS
K – 12 Basic Education Curriculum
Page 44
 I. Determine the vertex, focus, directrix, and axis of symmetry of the parabola with
the given equation. Sketch the graph, and include these points and lines.
1. 𝑥 2 = −4𝑦
2. 3𝑦 2 = 24𝑥
5 2 9
3. (𝑦 + 2) = −5 (𝑥 − 2)
4. 𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 + 8𝑦 = 7
5. 𝑦 2 − 12𝑥 + 8𝑦 = −40
6. 16𝑥 2 + 72𝑥 − 112𝑦 = −221

II. Find the standard equation of the parabola which satisfies the given conditions.
1. vertex (1, −9), focus (−3, −9)
2. vertex (7, 11), directrix, 𝑥 = 1
3. vertex (−4, 2), focus, (−4, −1)
4. vertex (−2, 0), directrix, 𝑥 = 1
5. vertex (3, 5), focus, (3, −2)
6. vertex (7, −5), vertical axis of symmetry through the point 𝑃(7,11)

III. Application
1. A satellite dish shaped like a paraboloid has a diameter of 2.4 𝑓𝑡 and a depth
of 0.9 𝑓𝑡. If the receiver is placed at the focus, how far should the receiver be
from the vertex? Ans.0.4 ft

2. Two towers of a suspension bridge are 300 meters apart and extended 80
meters above the road surface. If the cable (in the shape of a parabola) is
tangent to the center of the bridge, find the height of the cable above the road
at 50 meters from the center of the bridge. Ans. 8.89 m

3. A parabolic arch spanned 30 meters has a maximum height of 10 meter.

Derive the equation of the arch using the origin as the vertex of the arch.

4. The reflector of a radio telescope in the shape of a parabola revolves around its
axis. If the diameter of a reflector is 400 ft, and the focus is to be 200 ft above
the vertex of the parabola, what should be the depth of the reflector? Ans.50m

5. Assume that the water is issuing from

the end of a horizontal pipe, 25 ft above
the ground. Describe a parabolic curve,
the vertex of the parabola being at the
end of the pipe. If at point 8 ft below the
line of the pipe, the flow of water has
curved outward 10 ft beyond a vertical
line through the end of the pipe, how far
beyond this vertical line will the water
strike the ground? Ans. 17.68 ft
Fig.2.19

WORKTEXT IN PRECALCULUS
K – 12 Basic Education Curriculum
Page 45
 6. A parabolic mirror has a depth of 12 cm at the center, and the distance across
the top of the mirror is 32 cm. Find the distance from the vertex to the focus.
Ans. 5.33 cm

7. The cable of a suspension bridge hangs in the form of a parabola when the
load is uniformly distributed horizontally. The distance between two towers is
150 m, the point of support of the cable on the towers is 22 m above the
roadway, and the lowest point on the cable is 7 m above the roadway. Find the
vertical distance to the cable from a point in the roadway 15 m from the foot
of a tower. Ans.16.6 m

8. A reflecting telescope has a parabolic mirror for which the distance from the
vertex to the focus is 30 ft. If the distance across the top of the mirror is 64 ft,
how deep is the mirror at the center? Ans.8.53 ft

1. Use GeoGebra to graph the following problems and identify the focus, vertex, and
equation of the directrix:
a. 2𝑥 2 − 12𝑥 + 28𝑦 = 38
b. (3𝑥 − 2)2 = 84𝑦 − 112
c. The parabola has an axis of symmetry of 𝑦 = 9, directrix, 𝑥 = 24, vertex on the
line 3𝑦 − 5𝑥 = 7.

2. Browse the net to search the different parabolic figures present in buildings,
infrastructures, etc., and describe their properties.

WORKTEXT IN PRECALCULUS
K – 12 Basic Education Curriculum
Page 46