Learn to graph a horizontal parabola & identify the focus & directrix

The video tutorial explains how to graph the parabola y^2 = 16x. It covers identifying the vertex at (0,0), determining the focus at (4,0), and finding the directrix at x = -4. The tutorial emphasizes understanding the relationship between the vertex, focus, and directrix to determine the parabola's orientation. The focus is calculated using the equation 4P = 16, resulting in P = 4, indicating the parabola opens to the right. The directrix is found by moving 4 units in the opposite direction from the vertex. The tutorial concludes by summarizing the steps to graph a parabola, focusing on the vertex, focus, and directrix.

What is the vertex of the parabola given by the equation y^2 = 16x?

• (0, 4)

• (0, 0)

• (4, 0)

• (-4, 0)

How do you determine the direction in which the parabola y^2 = 16x opens?

• By plotting random points

• By identifying the vertex

• By calculating the value of P

• By finding the axis of symmetry

What is the focus of the parabola y^2 = 16x?

• (0, 0)

• (4, 0)

• (0, 4)

• (-4, 0)

What is the directrix of the parabola y^2 = 16x?

• y = 4

• x = -4

• y = -4

• x = 4

Which of the following statements is true about the directrix of a parabola?

• It is the same as the axis of symmetry

• It is always at the origin

• It is equidistant from the vertex as the focus is

• It is a horizontal line