PARABOLAS

PARABOLAS

1. Definition

   • A parabola is a curve where any point is at an equal distance from: a fixed point (the focus ), and a fixed straight line (the directrix )

2. Equation of a Parabola

   • The simplest equation for a parabola is y = x2. A little more generally: y2 = 4ax where a is the distance from the origin to the focus.

3. Parabola's Axis of Symmetry

   • The axis of symmetry of a parabola is a vertical line that divides the parabola into two congruent halves. The axis of symmetry always passes through the vertex of the parabola . The x -coordinate of the vertex is the equation of the axis of symmetry of the parabola.

4. Vertex of a Parabola

   • The vertex of a parabola is the highest or lowest point, also known as the maximum or minimum of a parabola.