Focus and Directrix of a Parabola Flashcard

Front

What is the definition of a parabola in terms of its focus and directrix?

Back

A parabola is the set of all points that are equidistant from a fixed point (focus) and a fixed line (directrix).

Front

What is the standard form equation of a parabola that opens upwards or downwards?

Back

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Front

What is the vertex of a parabola?

Back

The vertex is the point where the parabola changes direction, located midway between the focus and the directrix.

Front

How do you find the focus of a parabola given its equation in standard form?

Back

Front

What is the directrix of a parabola?

Back

The directrix is a fixed line used in the definition of a parabola, where each point on the parabola is equidistant from the focus and the directrix.

Front

What is the relationship between the focus, directrix, and any point on a parabola?

Back

For any point on the parabola, the distance to the focus is equal to the distance to the directrix.

Front

What is the general form of a parabola that opens to the right or left?

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