LESSON

5.1 Name Class Date

Parabolas 5.1 Parabolas

Essential Question: How is the distance formula connected with deriving equations for both
Texas Math Standards vertical and horizontal parabolas?
A2.4.B Write the equation of a parabola using given attributes, including … focus, directrix …
The student is expected to: Resource
Locker
A2.4.B Explore Deriving the Standard-Form Equation
of a Parabola Directrix
Write the equation of a parabola using given attributes, including vertex, y
A parabola is defined as a set of points equidistant from a line (called the directrix) d
focus, directrix, axis of symmetry, and direction of opening. (-p, y) (x, y)
and a point (called the focus). The focus will always lie on the axis of symmetry, and d
Focus
Mathematical Processes the directrix will always be perpendicular to the axis of symmetry. This definition can
be used to derive the equation for a horizontal parabola opening to the right with its (-p, 0) (p, 0) x
A2.1.F vertex at the origin using the distance formula. (The derivations of parabolas opening
in other directions will be covered later.)
Analyze mathematical relationships to connect and communicate
mathematical ideas.
 The coordinates for the focus are given by  Write down the expression for the distance
from a point (x, y) to the coordinates of the
Language Objective (p, 0) .
focus:
――――――――――――
(x ) +( )
Explain to a partner what the focus and directrix of a parabola are. 2 2

d= - p y - 0
1.E.2, 4.F.3, 5.B.1, 5.B.2
Fill in and label a graphic organizer describing different types of  The distance from a point to a line is measured  Write down the expression for the distance
parabolas. by drawing a perpendicular line segment from from a point, (x, y) to the point from Step C:
――――――――――――
(x ) ( )
the point to the line. Find the point where 2 2
a horizontal line from (x, y) intersects the d= - -p + y - y
directrix (defined by the line x = -p for a
ENGAGE parabola with its vertex on the origin).

(-p, y)
Essential Question: How is the
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

distance formula connected with

deriving equations for both vertical and  Setting the two distances the same and simplifying gives:

horizontal parabolas? (x

――――― 2 2―――
- p) + y = (x + p) 2

Possible answer: When you use the distance formula To continue solving the problem, square both sides of the equation and expand the squared binomials.

to describe all the points that are equidistant from a 1 x 2 + -2 xp + 1 p 2 + y 2 = 1 x 2 + 2 xp + 1 p 2

given point and a horizontal line you get the
equation of a vertical parabola. Similarly, when you  Collect terms.  Finally, simplify and arrange the equation into
the standard form for a horizontal parabola
use the distance formula to describe all the points 0 x 2 + -4 px + 0 p 2 + y 2 = 0
(with vertex at (0, 0)):
that are equidistant from a given point and a y 2 = 4px
vertical line, you get the equation of a horizontal
parabola.
Module 5 be made
through
"File info" 241 Lesson 1
ges must
EDIT--Chan
DO NOT Key=TX-B
Correction
Date
Class

PREVIEW: LESSON
Name

Parabolas
HARDCOVER PAGES 171180
for both
equations
5.1 ce formu
la conne
is the distan ntal parabolas?
cted with
deriving

… focus,
directrix …
Resource
Locker
ion: How including
Quest horizo attributes,

PERFORMANCE TASK
Essential vertical and la using given n
on of a parabo m Equatio
the equati
A2.4.B Write dard-For Directrixy
the Stan
Deriving (x, y)
d
(-p, y)
Explore bola rix) d
of a Para a line (called
the direct
and
Focus
equidi stant from
the axis of symmetry, can x
points on ion (p, 0)
as a set of always lie This definit
A2_MTXESE353930_U2M05L1 241 A parabola
is defined
(called the
focus). The
focus will
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the axis of
symmetry.
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with its
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1/12/15 7:34 PM
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the directr the equati ce formu
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be used using the ce
the origin covered later.) for the distan
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other directi Write down the coord inates of
in  x, y) to the
(
――――――
―――――― ( y - 0 )
are given
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find this lesson in the

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distance
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the expres C:
Write down from Step
the point
(x, y) to
――――――)
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――――――
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a horizontal ed by the line x =

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(defin ).
directrix the origin
with its vertex on
parabola

(-p, y)
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and simpli
y
g Compan

the same
distances
two d binomials.
Setting the
――― d the square

Lesson Performance Task.

―――――
 = (x +
p)
2
on and expan
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2
2
(x both sides
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To contin = on into
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at (0, 0)):
© Houghto

(with vertex
Collect terms.
0 p2 + y =
2 0
 -4 px + y2 = 4px
0 x2 +

Lesson 1

241

7:34 PM
1/12/15
Module 5

L1 241
0_U2M05
SE35393
A2_MTXE

241 Lesson 5.1

 Reflect

1. Why was the directrix placed on the line x = -p? EXPLORE

The directrix had to be as far from the vertex (at the origin) as the focus, but on the
opposite side. So if the focus is at (p, 0), the directrix has to intersect the x-axis at Deriving the Standard Form Equation
(-p, 0). The line x = -p is perpendicular to the axis of symmetry (the line connecting the of a Parabola
focus and the origin) and contains the point (-p, 0).

2. Discussion How can the result be generalized to arrive at the standard form for a horizontal parabola
with a vertex at (h, k):
INTEGRATE MATHEMATICAL
(y - k) = 4p(x - h)?
2 PROCESSES
A parabola with a vertex at (h, k) can be described by a horizontal shift of h to the right Focus on Patterns
and a vertical shift of k upward, which can be achieved for any graph by substituting
Explain that if the equation of a parabola contains an
(y - k) for y and (x - h) for x. x 2 term the parabola opens either up or down, while
an equation that contains a y 2 term opens either right
Explain 1 Writing the Equation of a Parabola or left.
with Vertex at (0, 0)
The equation for a horizontal parabola with vertex at (0, 0) is written in the standard form as y 2 = 4px. It has a
vertical directrix along the line x = -p, a horizontal axis of symmetry along the line y = 0, and a focus at the
point (p, 0). The parabola opens toward the focus, whether it is on the right or left of the origin
(p > 0 or p < 0). Vertical parabolas are similar, but with horizontal directrices and vertical axes of symmetry: EXPLAIN 1
Parabolas with Vertices at the Origin
Writing the Equation of a Parabola
Vertical Horizontal
with Vertex at (0, 0)
Equation in standard form x 2 = 4py y 2 = 4px

p>0 Opens upward Opens rightward

p<0 Opens downward Opens leftward

INTEGRATE MATHEMATICAL
PROCESSES
Focus (0, p) (p, 0) © Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company
Focus on Math Connections
Directrix y = -p x = -p
Explain that for an equation in the form y = __ 1 2
4p
x,
x=0 y=0
Axis of Symmetry
the graph opens upward if __ 1
4p
is positive and
downward if __ 1
4p
is negative. For an equation in the
form x = __
4p
y , the graph opens to the right if __
1 2 1
4p
is
__
1
positive and to the left if 4p is negative.

Module 5 242 Lesson 1

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
A2_MTXESE353930_U2M05L1 242 20/02/14 4:05 AM

Integrate Mathematical Processes

This lesson provides an opportunity to address Mathematical Process
TEKS A2.1.F, which calls for students to “analyze mathematical relationships
to connect and communicate mathematical ideas.” Students learn the
relationships between quadratic equations and their graphs. Students learn that
equations in the forms (y - k) = 4 p(x - h) and (x - h) = 4 p(y - k) have
2 2

vertices (h, k), focus at either (h + p, k) or (h, k + p), and have the directrix
y = k - p or x = h - p.

Parabolas 242
 Example 1 Find the equation of the parabola from the description of the focus and directrix.
QUESTIONING STRATEGIES Then make a sketch showing the parabola, the focus, and the directrix.

How can you find the directrix of a parabola  Focus (–8, 0), directrix x = 8
with an equation in the form y = __ 1 2
4p
x or A vertical directrix means a horizontal parabola. y
__ 8
x = 4p y ? The directrix is p units from the vertex.
1 2
Confirm that the vertex is at (0, 0):
Remember that the parabola opens away from the 4
a. The y-coordinate of the vertex is the same as the focus: 0.
x
directrix. b. The x-coordinate is halfway between the focus (-8) and the 0
-8 -4 4
directrix (+8): 0.
-4
c. The vertex is at (0, 0).

Use the expression for a horizontal parabola, y 2 = 4px, and replace p

with the x coordinate of the focus: y 2 = 4(-8)x

Simplify: y 2 = -32x

Plot the focus and directrix and sketch the parabola.

 Focus (0, -2), directrix y = 2

A [vertical/horizontal] directrix means a [vertical/horizontal] parabola. y

8
Confirm that the vertex is at (0, 0):
4
a. The x-coordinate of the vertex is the same as the focus: 0.
x
b. The y-coordinate is halfway between the focus, -2 and the -8 -4 0 4 8
directrix, 2 : 0 -4
c. The vertex is at (0, 0). -8
x 2 = 4py
Use the expression for a vertical parabola, , and
replace p with the x coordinate of the focus: x 2 = 4 ⋅ -2 ⋅ y

Simplify: x 2 = -8y
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

Plot the focus, the directrix, and the parabola.

Your Turn

Find the equation of the parabola from the description of the focus and directrix. Then
make a sketch showing the parabola, the focus, and the directrix.

3. Focus (2, 0), directrix x = -2 4. (

Focus 0, - _
2 )
1 , directrix y = _
1
2
y y
8 8
p = x-coordinate p = y-coordinate
4 of the focus 4 of the focus
x =2 x ( _)
= −
1
2
( _)
-8 -4 0 y = 4(2)x
2
-8 -4 0
x2 = 4 − 1 y
4 8 4 8
-4 y 2 = 8x -4 2
x 2 = −2y
-8 -8

Module 5 243 Lesson 1

COLLABORATIVE LEARNING
A2_MTXESE353930_U2M05L1 243 1/27/15 12:14 PM

Peer-to-Peer Activity
Have students work in pairs. Instruct each student to create a design using graphs
of parabolas. Students exchange designs and write the equations for the parabolas
in the partner’s design, including the domain and range of each curve.

243 Lesson 5.1

 Explain 2 Writing the Equation of a Parabola with
Vertex at (h, k) EXPLAIN 2
The standard equation for a parabola with a vertex (h, k) can be found by translating from (0, 0) to (h, k): substitute
(x - h) for x and (y - k) for y. This also translates the focus and directrix each by the same amount.
Writing the Equation of a Parabola
Parabolas with Vertex (h, k) with Vertex at (h, k)
Vertical Horizontal
Equation in standard form (x - h) = 4p(y - k)
2
(y - k) = 4p(x - h)
2

p>0 Opens upward Opens rightward

INTEGRATE MATHEMATICAL
p<0 Opens downward Opens leftward
PROCESSES
Focus (h, k + p) (h + p, k) Focus on Critical Thinking
Directrix y=k- p x=h- p The focus of a parabola is (h + p, k) for a horizontal
Axis of Symmetry x=h y=k parabola and (h, k + p) for a vertical parabola.
p is found halfway from the directrix to the focus: Alternatively, students can graph the vertex and find
the focus by determining the opening direction of the
(y value of focus) - (y value of directrix)
• For vertical parabolas: p = ____ parabola, then count p units in the appropriate
2
(x value of focus) - (x value of directrix) direction.
• For horizontal parabolas: p = ____
2

The vertex can be found from the focus by relating the coordinates of the focus to h, k, and p.

Example 2 Find the equation of the parabola from the description of the focus and directrix. QUESTIONING STRATEGIES
Then make a sketch showing the parabola, the focus, and the directrix.
Given values of h, k, and p, describe the
 Focus (3, 2), directrix y = 0 similarities and differences between the graph
A horizontal directrix means a vertical parabola. y
of a parabola with an equation in the form
(y - k) = 4p(x - h) and an equation in the form
8 2
(y value of focus) - (y value of directrix) 2-0 =1
p = ____ = _
(x - h)2 = 4p(y - k). Similarities: Both graphs have
2 2 4
h = the x-coordinate of the focus = 3 x © Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

0
a vertex at (h, k) and the distance to the focus is the
Solve for k: The y-value of the focus is k + p, so -8 -4 4 8
k+p=2 -4 same. Differences: The graph of the equation in the
form (y - k) = 4p(x - h) opens to either the left or
2
k+1=2 -8
k=1 the right, while the graph of the equation in the
form (x - h) = 4p(y - k) opens either upward or
2
Write the equation: (x - 3) = 4(y - 1)
2

downward.
Plot the focus, the directrix, and the parabola.

CONNECT VOCABULARY
Help students to understand the meanings of focus,
directrix, and axis of symmetry by labeling these on
Module 5 244 Lesson 1 the graph of a parabola.

DIFFERENTIATE INSTRUCTION
A2_MTXESE353930_U2M05L1.indd 244 1/11/15 2:09 AM

Modeling
Students can write equations which model parabolic shapes that exist in the real
world. These include bridges, arcs, and the paths traced in projectile motion.
Critical Thinking
Have students explain how to tell if the graph of a quadratic equation in standard
form is a circle or parabola.

Parabolas 244
 B Focus (-1, -1), directrix x = 5

EXPLAIN 3 A vertical directrix means a horizontal parabola.

8
y
-1 - 5
(x value of focus) - (x value of directrix)
p = ____ = __ = -3
Rewriting the Equation of a Parabola 2 2 4
k = the y-coordinate of the focus = -1 x
to Graph the Parabola -8 -4 0 4 8
Solve for h: The x-value of the focus is h + p, so
-4
h + p = -1
-8
INTEGRATE TECHNOLOGY h + (-3) = -1
Students can solve equations of parabolas for y and h= 2
graph the corresponding function(s) on their Write the equation: (y + 1) = -12 x - 2
2
( )
graphing calculators. If the equation is for a parabola
that opens left or right, the parabola needs to be Your Turn

graphed using two functions. Find the equation of the parabola from the description of the focus and directrix. Then make a
sketch showing the parabola, the focus, and the directrix.

5. Focus (5, -1), directrix x = -3 6. Focus (-2, 0), directrix y = 4

AVOID COMMON ERRORS y
y
8 8
Some students may include both positive and
negative values of 4p(x - h) when taking the 4 4
x x
square root of both sides of an equation in the 0
0 -8 -4
form (y - k) = 4p(x - h). Remind them that
2 -8 -4 4 8 4 8
-4 -4
when equations of this form are solved for y, the -8
-8
resulting equation
―――should be in the form
y = ± √4p(x - h) + k. p=
5 - (-3)
_ =4 p= _
0-4
= -2
2 2
k = -1 h = -2
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

h + p = h + (4) = 5 → h = 1 k + p = k + (-2) = 0 → k = 2
(y + 1) 2 = 16(x - 1) (x + 2) 2 = -8(y - 2)

Explain 3 Rewriting the Equation of a Parabola to Graph

the Parabola
A second-degree equation in two variables is an equation constructed by adding terms in two variables with powers
no higher than 2. The general form looks like this:

ax 2 + by 2 + cx + dy + e = 0

Expanding the standard form of a parabola and grouping like terms results in a second-degree equation with either a
= 0 or b = 0, depending on whether the parabola is vertical or horizontal. To graph an equation in this form requires
the opposite conversion, accomplished by completing the square of the squared variable.

Module 5 245 Lesson 1

LANGUAGE SUPPORT
A2_MTXESE353930_U2M05L1 245 20/02/14 4:05 AM

Connect Vocabulary
Have students work in pairs to fill in a graphic organizer. Write the word parabola
in a circle in the middle of a sheet of paper. Fold the paper in fourths. Write opens
upward in one corner of the paper, opens downward in another corner, opens to
the right and opens to the left in the remaining corners. Have the students work
together to sketch a parabola and write an equation for each kind of graph.

245 Lesson 5.1

 Example 3 Convert the equation to the standard form of a parabola and graph the
parabola, the focus, and the directrix. QUESTIONING STRATEGIES
x 2 - 4x - 4y + 12 = 0 How would you solve an equation in the

form (x - h) = 4p(y - k) for y in order to
2
Isolate the x terms and complete the square on x.
graph the equation on your graphing calculator?
Isolate the x terms. x 2 - 4x = 4y - 12

( )
-4 to both sides.
2 Divide both sides of the equation by 4p and then
Add _ x 2 - 4x + 4 = 4y - 8
2 add k to both sides of the equation.
Factor the perfect square trinomial on the left side. (x - 2)2 = 4y - 8

Factor out 4 from the right side. (x - 2)2 = 4(y - 2)

This is the standard form for a vertical parabola. Now find p, h, and k from the standard
form (x – h) = 4p(y – k) in order to graph the parabola, focus, and directrix.
2

4p = 4, so p = 1 y
8
h = 2, k = 2
4
Vertex = (h, k) = (2, 2) x

Focus = (h, k + p) = (2, 2 + 1) = (2, 3) -8 -4 0 4 8

-4
Directrix: y = k − p = 2 - 1, or y = 1
-8

 y 2 + 2x + 8y + 18 = 0

Isolate the y terms. y 2 + 8y = −2x − 18

( )
2
8
Add _ to both sides. y 2 + 8y + 16 = −2x − 2
2

( )
2

Factor the perfect square trinomial. y+ 4 = −2x − 2

( 4 ) ( )
2

Factor out -2 on the right. y+ = -2 x + 1

Identify the features of the graph using the standard form of a horizontal parabola, (y – k) 2 = 4p(x – h): © Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

4p = -2 , so p = - 2 .
__1
y
h = -1 , k = -4 8

( )
4
Vertex = (h, k) = -1 , -4 x

( -__, -4) -8 -4 0 4 8
Focus = (h + p, k) =
3
2 -4

1
Directrix: x = h - p, or x = - 2
__ -8

Module 5 246 Lesson 1

A2_MTXESE353930_U2M05L1.indd 246 1/14/15 9:28 PM

Parabolas 246
 Your Turn

EXPLAIN 4 Convert the equation to the standard form of a parabola and graph the parabola, the
focus, and the directrix.

Solving a Real-World Problem 7. y 2 - 12x - 4y + 64 = 0 8. x 2 + 8x - 16y - 48 = 0

y y
8 8

CONNECT VOCABULARY 4 4
x x
Remind students that placing constraints on the 0 -8 -4 0
-8 -4 4 8 4 8
values of x is equivalent to restricting the domain. -4 -4
Similarly, placing constraints on the values of y is -8 -8
equivalent to restricting the range.
y 2 - 4y = 12x - 64 x 2 + 8x = 16y + 48
y - 4y + 4 = 12x - 64 + 4
2
x + 8x + 16 = 16y + 48 + 16
2

(y - 2) 2 = 12x - 60 (x + 4) 2 = 16y + 64
(y - 2) 2 = 12 (x - 5) (x + 4) 2 = 16 (y + 4)
Vertex = (5, 2), Focus = (8, 2), Directrix: x = 2 Vertex = (-4, -4), Focus = (-4, 0),
Directrix: y = -8

Explain 4 Solving a Real-World Problem

Parabolic shapes occur in a variety of applications in science and engineering that take advantage of the concentrating
property of reflections from the parabolic surface at the focus.

 Parabolic microphones are so-named because they use a parabolic dish

to bounce sound waves toward a microphone placed at the focus of the
parabola in order to increase sensitivity. The dish shown has a cross
section dictated by the equation x = 32y 2 where x and y are in inches.
How far from the center of the dish should the microphone be placed?
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

The cross section matches the standard form of a horizontal parabola

with h = 0, k = 0, p = 8.

Therefore the vertex, which is the center of the dish, is at (0, 0) and
the focus is at (8, 0), 8 inches away.

Module 5 247 Lesson 1

A2_MTXESE353930_U2M05L1.indd 247 1/11/15 2:09 AM

247 Lesson 5.1

 B A reflective telescope uses a parabolic mirror to focus
light rays before creating an image with the eyepiece. plane mirror
70 mm
If the focal length (the distance from the bottom of the ? prime
140 mm
focus
mirror’s bowl to the focus) is 140 mm and the mirror
has a 70 mm diameter (width), what is the depth of the eyepiece
bowl of the mirror? parabolic mirror

The distance from the bottom of the mirror’s bowl to the focus
is p. The vertex location is not specified (or needed), so use
(0, 0) for simplicity. The equation for the mirror is a horizontal
parabola (with x the distance along the telescope and y the
position out from the center).

( ) ( )
2

y- 0 = 4p x - 0

y 2 = 560 x

Since the diameter of the bowl of the mirror is 70 mm, the points at the rim of the mirror have y-values
of 35 mm and -35 mm. The x-value of either point will be the same as the x-value of the point directly
above the bottom of the bowl, which equals the depth of the bowl. Since the points on the rim lie on the
parabola, use the equation of the parabola to solve for the x-value of either edge of the mirror.
2
35 = 560  x

x ≈ 2.19 mm

The bowl is approximately 2.19 mm deep.

Your Turn

9. A football team needs one more field goal to win the game. The goalpost that the ball must clear is 10 feet
(~3.3 yd) off the ground. The path of the football after it is kicked for a 35-yard field goal is given by the
equation y - 11 = -0.0125 (x - 20) , in yards. Does the team win?
2

y - 11 = -0.0125(35 - 20)
2

y = 8.1875 © Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

Since 8.1875 is greater than 3.3, the ball goes over the goalpost and the team wins
the game.

Module 5 248 Lesson 1

A2_MTXESE353930_U2M05L1.indd 248 2/22/14 7:47 AM

Parabolas 248
 Elaborate
ELABORATE 10. Examine the graphs in this lesson and determine a relationship between the separation of the focus and the
vertex, and the shape of the parabola. Demonstrate this by finding the relationship between p for a vertical
parabola with vertex of (0, 0) and a, the coefficient of the quadratic parent function y = ax 2.
INTEGRATE MATHEMATICAL The parabola gets wider as the focus moves away from the vertex. To convert from the
PROCESSES standard form of a parabola to the standard form of a quadratic, isolate y:
Focus on Math Connections x 2 = 4py

Explain that there are alternate forms for the y= _

1 2
x = ax 2
4p
equations of parabolas. Parabolas with vertices at ⇒ a= _
1
4p
the origin may be written in the forms y = ax 2 (for
vertical parabolas) and x = ay 2 (for horizontal 11. Essential Question Check-In How can you use the distance formula to derive an equation relating
parabolas). Parabolas with vertices at points other x and y from the definition of a parabola based on focus and directrix?
Write the expressions for the distance from a point on the parabola to each of the focus
than the origin may be written in the forms
(x - h)2 = 4p(y - k ) (vertical parabolas) and the directrix. Then equate the two distances per the definition of a parabola.

and (y - k) = 4p(x - h) (horizontal parabolas).

2

In these forms, a = __1

.
4p
Evaluate: Homework and Practice
• Online Homework

SUMMARIZE THE LESSON Find the equation of the parabola with vertex at (0, 0) from the description of the focus
• Hints and Help
• Extra Practice
and directrix and plot the parabola, the focus, and the directrix.
Explain how a parabola can be graphed given its
1. Focus at (3, 0), directrix: x = -3 2. Focus at (0, -5), directrix: y = 5
equation. Use the equation to graph the vertex of
y y
the parabola. Then find the value of p and 8 8

determine the direction in which the parabola 4 y 2 = 4px 4 x 2 = 4py

opens. Graph the focus and directrix accordingly. x y 2 = 4(3)x x x 2 = 4(-5)y
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

-8 -4 0 4 8 -8 -4 0
Substitute an x-value to find a point on the y 2 = 12x 4 8 x 2 = -20y
-4 -4
parabola. Graph the reflection of the point over the
-8 -8
axis of symmetry. Then complete the graph.

3. Focus at (-1, 0), directrix: x = 1 4. Focus at (0, 2), directrix: y = -2

y y
8 8

4 4
y 2 = 4px x 2 = 4py
x x
y = 4(-1)x
2
x2 = 4(2)y
-8 -4 0 4 8 -8 -4 0 4 8
y 2 = -4x x = 8y
2
-4 -4

-8 -8

Module 5 249 Lesson 1

A2_MTXESE353930_U2M05L1.indd 249 1/11/15 2:09 AM

249 Lesson 5.1

 Find the equation of the parabola with the given information.

5. Vertex: (-3, 6); Directrix: x = -1.75 6. Vertex: (6, 20); Focus: (6, 11)
EVALUATE
(y -k) = 4p(x - h) (x - h) 2 = 4p(y - k)
2

(y - 6) 2 = 4(-1.25)(x + 3) (x - 6) 2 = 4(-9)(y - 20)

(y - 6) 2 = -5(x + 3) (x - 6) 2 = -36(y - 20)

Find the equation of the parabola with vertex at (h, k) from the description of the
focus and directrix and plot the parabola, the focus, and the directrix.

7. Focus at (5, 3), directrix: y = 7 8. Focus at (-3, 3), directrix: x = 3 ASSIGNMENT GUIDE
8
y
8
y Concepts and Skills Practice
4
3-7
p = _ = -2 4 p= _
-3 - 3
= -3 Explore Exercises 16–17
2 2
x
h=5 x
k=3 Deriving the Standard Form
k + p = k + (- 2) = 3 h + p = h + (- 3) = -3 Equation of a Parabola
-8 -4 0 4 8 -8 -4 0 4 8
-4 k=5 -4 h=0 Example 1 Exercises 1–4
(x - 5) = - 8(y - 5) (y - 3) = -12x
2 2
Writing the Equation of a Parabola
-8 -8
with Vertex at (0, 0)
Example 2 Exercises 5–8, 15
Convert the equation to the standard form of a parabola and graph the parabola, Writing the Equation of a Parabola
the focus, and the directrix.
with Vertex at (h, k)
9. y2 - 20x - 6y - 51 = 0 10. x2 - 14x - 12y + 73 = 0
Example 3 Exercises 9–10
y y Rewriting the Equation of a
8 8
Parabola to Graph the Parabola
4 4
Example 4 Exercises 11–14
x x
0 0 Solving a Real-World Problem
-8 -4 4 8 -8 -4 4 8
-4 -4
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company
-8 -8
INTEGRATE MATHEMATICAL
y 2 - 6y = 20x + 51 x 2 - 14x = 12y - 73 PROCESSES
y 2 - 6y + 9 = 20x + 51 + 9 x 2 - 14x + 49 = 12y - 73 + 49
(x - 7) 2 = 12y - 24 Focus on Reasoning
(y - 3) 2 = 20x + 60
(y - 3) 2 = 20 (x + 3) (x - 7) 2 = 12 (y - 2) Students can check that their parabolas have the
Vertex = (-3, 3), Focus = (2, 3), Vertex = (7, 2), Focus = (7, 5), correct widths by verifying that the distance across
Directrix : x = -8 Directrix : x = -1
the parabola at the focus equals 4p.
1 2
11. Communications The equation for the cross section of a parabolic satellite television dish is y = __
50
x,
measured in inches. How far is the focus from the vertex of the cross section?

y=_ 1 x2 = 1
x2_
50 4·12.5
The focus is 12.5 in. from the vertex of the cross section.
Module 5 250 Lesson 1

Exercise
A2_MTXESE353930_U2M05L1.indd 250
Depth of Knowledge (D.O.K.) Mathematical Process 1/11/15 2:09 AM

1–4 1 Recall of Information 1.D Multiple representations

5–6 1 Recall of Information 1.F Analyze relationships
7–8 1 Recall of Information 1.D Multiple representations
9–10 2 Skills/Concepts 1.D Multiple representations
11–14 2 Skills/Concepts 1.A Everyday life
15 2 Skills/Concepts 1.D Multiple representations

Parabolas 250
 1 2
12. Engineering The equation for the cross section of a spotlight is y + 5 = __ x,
AVOID COMMON ERRORS 12
measured in inches. Where is the bulb located with respect to the vertex of the cross
Some students may confuse the equations of section?

horizontal and vertical parabolas. It may help them to y+5=_ 1 x2

12
make a chart listing the general equations for both y+5=_ 1 x2
4·3
horizontal and vertical parabolas. The bulb is 3 in. from the vertex of the cross section.

13. When a ball is thrown into the air, the path that the ball travels is modeled by the
parabola y - 7 = -0.0175(x - 20) , measured in feet. What is the maximum height
2

the ball reaches? How far does the ball travel before it hits the ground?
The vertex of the parabola is (20, 7), so the maximum height of the ball
is 7 feet.
0 - 7 = -0.0175 (x - 20)
2

  ±20 = x - 20
x = 0, 40
The ball travels 40 feet before it hits the ground.

14. The equation of the cables for a suspension bridge

is modeled by y - 55 = 0.0025x 2 where x is the
horizontal distance in feet from the support tower
and y is the height in feet above the bridge. How far
is the lowest point of the cables above the bridge?
The vertex of the parabola is (0, 55), so the
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company · Image Credits: ©J. Aa./

lowest point of the cables is 55 feet above the

bridge.

15. Match each equation to its graph.

B y+1=_ 1 (x - 2) 2 C y-1=_1 (x + 2) 2 A x + 1 = -_1 (y - 2) 2
16 16 16
A. y B. y C. y
8 8 8

4 4 4
Shutterstock

x x x
-8 -4 0 4 8 -8 -4 0 4 8 -8 -4 0 4 8
-4 -4 -4

-8 -8 -8

Module 5 251 Lesson 1

A2_MTXESE353930_U2M05L1 251 1/12/15 8:37 PM

Exercise Depth of Knowledge (D.O.K.) Mathematical Process

16–17 3 Strategic Thinking 1.F Analyze relationships
18 2 Skills/Concepts 1.A Everyday life
19 3 Strategic Thinking 1.F Analyze relationships
20 2 Skills/Concepts 1.G Explain and justify arguments

251 Lesson 5.1

 Derive the equation of the parabolas with the given information.
CONNECT VOCABULARY
16. An upward-opening parabola with a focus at (0, p) and directrix y = -p.
Have students find and label the focus and directrix of
distance from (x, y) to focus = distance from (x, y) to directrix
――――――― ――――――― different parabolas and describe their locations in
√(x - 0) + (y - p) = √(x - x) + (y + p)
2 2

――――― ―――
2 2

relation to the axis of symmetry and the vertex of

√x + (y - p) = √(y + p)
2 2 2

x 2 + (y - p) 2 = (y + p) 2 each parabola.
x + y 2 - 2py + p 2 = y 2 + 2py + p 2
2

x 2 = 4py

17. A leftward-opening parabola with a focus at (-p, 0) and directrix x = p.

distance from (x, y) to focus = distance from (x, y) to directrix
――――――― ―――――――
√(x + p)
+ (y - 0) = √(x - p) + (y - y)
2 2 2 2

(x + p) + y 2 = (x - p) 2
2

x + 2px + p 2 + y 2 = x 2 - 2px + p 2
2

y 2 = -4px

H.O.T. Focus on Higher Order Thinking

18. Multi-Step A tennis player hits a tennis ball just as it

hits one end line of the court. The path of the ball is modeled
4 (
by the equation y - 4 = - ____ x - 39) where x = 0 is
2
1521
at the end line. The tennis net is 3 feet high, and the total
length of the court is 78 feet.

a. How far is the net located from the player?

Because the court is 78 feet long and the net is at the
court's midline, the net is 39 feet from the player.

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

b. Explain why the ball will go over the net.
The vertex of the parabola is (39, 4), so the maximum height the ball
reaches is 4 feet. This maximum height occurs at the midline, where the net
is located. Since the net is only 3 feet high, the ball will go over the net.
c. Will the ball land “in,” that is, inside the court or on the opposite endline?

Find where the ball's height is 0.

0−4=− _
4 (
x − 39)
2
1521
−4 = − _
4 (
x − 39)
2
1521
1521 = (x − 39)
2

±39 = x − 39
x = 0, 78
The ball will travel 78 feet before it hits the ground. Since the ball’s path and the
court are 78 feet long, the ball will land on the opposite endline, or “in.”

Module 5 252 Lesson 1

A2_MTXESE353930_U2M05L1.indd 252 1/14/15 9:28 PM

Parabolas 252
 19. Critical Thinking The latus rectum of a parabola is the line segment perpendicular
JOURNAL to the axis of symmetry through the focus, with endpoints on the parabola. Find the
length of the latus rectum of a parabola. Justify your answer. Hint: Set the coordinate
Have students compare and contrast the methods system such that the vertex is at the origin and the parabola opens rightward with the
they have learned for graphing parabolas and writing focus at (p, 0).

equations for parabolas. The parabola has the equation: y 2 = 4px.

The axis of symmetry of this parabola is the x-axis. The line containing
the latus rectum is perpendicular to the x-axis and goes through the
focus so it has an equation of x = p. Setting x = p in the equation above
and solving for y we obtain the coordinates of the endpoints of the latus
rectum. Their coordinates are (p, 2p) and (p, -2p). The length of this
segment is 2p -(-2p) = 4p as expected for a vertical segment with those
endpoints.
y 2 =4px
y 2 =4p ⋅ p
y 2 =4p 2
y = ± √4p 2
――
y = ±2p

20. Explain the Error Lois is finding the h = -2, k = 8

focus and directrix of the parabola
1 , so p = -_
4p = -_ 1 , or p = -0.125
y - 8 = - __12 (x + 2) . Her work is shown.
2
2 8
Explain what Lois did wrong, and then find
the correct answer. Focus = (h, k + p) = (-2, 7.875)

Directrix: y = k - p, or y = 8.125

Lois did not find p correctly. The equation for a vertical parabola is
(x - h)2 = 4p(y - k), so Lois should have begun by finding an equivalent
equation with the coefficient in front of y - 8 instead of in front
of (x + 2) :
2

y - 8 = -__
© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company

1
2
(x + 2) 2

-2(y - 8) = (x + 2) .
2

h = –2, k = 8
4p = –2, so p = –__
1
2
, or p = –0.5
Focus = (h, k + p) = (–2, 7.5)
Directrix: y = k – p, or y = 8.5

Module 5 253 Lesson 1

A2_MTXESE353930_U2M05L1.indd 253 19/03/15 10:43 AM

253 Lesson 5.1

 Lesson Performance Task INTEGRATE TECHNOLOGY
Students can plot parabolas which open to the left or
Parabolic microphones are used for field audio during sports events.
The microphones are manufactured such that the equation of
right using a calculator or a graphing program on a
computer by first solving the equation x 2 = 4py for y,
――
their cross section is x = __
1 2
34
y , in inches. The feedhorn part of the
microphone is located at the focus.
and plotting two functions, y = ± √4px .
a. How far is the feedhorn from the edge of the parabolic
surface of the microphone?

b. What is the diameter of the microphone? Explain your

reasoning.
QUESTIONING STRATEGIES
Ask students to derive x 2 = 4py by assuming
c. If the diameter is increased by 5 inches, what is the new
equation of the cross section of the microphone? that the distance from the focus to a point on
a parabola is equal to the shortest distance from that
a. x = _
1
y = _y
1 2 2
34 4 ∙ 8.5 point to the directrix, and using the distance
b. The point directly above the focus is at (p, y). Since
p = 8.5, we can plug (8.5, y) into the equation of the formula. P(x, y) is on the parabola. The focus is
parabola and find y = 17. The radius is 17 inches, so (0, p), the distance from P to (0, p) is
――
(x - 0)2 + (y - p)2 , and the distance from P to
the diameter is 34 inches.
c. The new diameter is 39 inches, so the new radius is
19.5 inches. So the point (p, 19.5) directly above the the directrix is y + p. Setting the two equal:
focus is on the parabola. ――
x 2 + (y - p)2 =y+p
x = _ y ⎯→ p = _(19.5) ⎯→ p = 9.75
1 21 2
4p 4p
x 2 + (y - p)2 = (y + p)2
x = _ y ⎯→ x = _ y
1 2 1 2

© Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company · Image Credits: ©Scott

4(9.75) 39
The new equation is x = _ y .
1 2 x 2 = 4py
39

Boehm/AP Images

Module 5 254 Lesson 1

EXTENSION ACTIVITY
A2_MTXESE353930_U2M05L1.indd 254 1/11/15 2:09 AM

Sound rays parallel to the axis of a parabolic microphone are reflected off its inner
surface and pass through the focal point. To explore this phenomenon, have
students graph the parabola y = x 2. The slope of any line tangent to a point on
this parabola is m = 2x. Have students pick different points on the parabola
(except the origin), draw tangent lines through these points, then draw a line
parallel to the y-axis that ends at the point, forming an acute angle a, which
Scoring Rubric
students can measure using a protractor. Then have students draw a second line 2 points: Student correctly solves the problem and explains his/her reasoning.
from the point, forming an angle with the tangent line congruent to a. Encourage 1 point: Student shows good understanding of the problem but does not fully
the students to draw many lines, to observe that the lines intersect at the focus. solve or explain his/her reasoning.
0 points: Student does not demonstrate understanding of the problem.

Parabolas 254