Understanding Parabolas

(2, -3)

(2, 3)

(-2, 3)

(3, 2)

To the right

Upward

Downward

To the left

(x - h)^2 = 4p(y - k)

(y - k)^2 = 4p(y - h)

(y - k)^2 = 4p(x - h)

(x - h)^2 = 4p(x - k)

The vertex is not related to the focus and directrix

The vertex is closer to the directrix

The vertex is closer to the focus

The vertex is equidistant from the focus and directrix

Subtract the y-coordinates

Add the x-coordinates

Add the y-coordinates

Subtract the x-coordinates

8

2

4

6

By subtracting p from the directrix

By adding p to the directrix

By subtracting p from the focus

By adding p to the focus

(-3, 2)

(-2, 3)

(2, 3)

(3, -2)

(y - 3)^2 = 16(x + 2)

(x - 3)^2 = 16(y + 2)

(y + 3)^2 = 16(x - 2)

(x + 3)^2 = 16(y - 2)

Because the parabola opens to the left

Because the parabola opens downward

Because the parabola opens upward

Because the parabola opens to the right