Advanced Algebra /Pre-Calculus Name:______
Warm-Up Date ______Block _____

  1. Graph the parabola make sure to label the vertex, focus, directrix and axis of symmetry:

Vertex:
Axis of symmetry:
a =
Focus:
Directrix:
Endpoints of Latus Rectum:

  1. Put the following equations in Standard Form.

a) b)

Advanced Algebra /Pre-Calculus Name:______
9.2 The Parabola (Part 2) NOTES Date ______Block _____

Objectives:

  1. Given parabola facts, write the equation and sketch a complete graph.
  2. Given a parabolic graph, write its equation using the vertex and a point on it.
  3. Apply parabola ideas to real-world problems.

Example 1:

The focus of a parabola is (0, 2) and the vertex is (0, 0).

Vertex:
Axis of symmetry:
a =
Focus:
Directrix:
Endpoints of Latus Rectum:

Equation:
Graph

Example 2:

The focus is (-4, 0) and the vertex is (0, 0).

Vertex:
Axis of symmetry:
a =
Focus:
Directrix:
Endpoints of Latus Rectum:

Equation:
Graph

Example 3:

The focus is (0, -1) and the directrix is y = 1.

Vertex:
Axis of symmetry:
a =
Focus:
Directrix:
Endpoints of Latus Rectum:

Equation:
Graph

Example 4:

The vertex is (0, 0) and the x-axis is the axis of symmetry.

The parabola contains the point (2, 3).

Vertex:
Axis of symmetry:
a =
Focus:
Directrix:
Endpoints of Latus Rectum:

Equation:
Graph

Example 5:

The vertex is at (4, -2) and the focus is at (6, -2).

Vertex:
Axis of symmetry:
a =
Focus:
Directrix:
Endpoints of Latus Rectum:

Equation:
Graph

Example 6:

Write an equation for each parabola below, given two points.

A.]______B.]______

Applications of all Conics

Example 7: Paraboloid of Revolution

A satellite dish is shaped like a paraboloid of revolution. The signals that emanate from a satellite strike the surface of the dish and are reflected to a single point, where the receiver is located. If the dish is 10 feet across at its opening and 4 feet deep at its center, at what position should the receiver be placed?

Example 8: Suspension Bridge

The cables of a suspension bridge are in the shape of a parabola. The towers supporting the cable are 400 feet apart and 100 feet high. If the cables are at a height of 10 feet midway between the towers, what is the height of the cable at a point 50 feet from the center of the bridge?

Example 9: The arch used to support a bridge is in the shape of half of an ellipse (a semi-ellipse). If the river is 30 meters wide, and the center of the arch is 9 meters high, Write an equation for the ellipse in which the x-axis coincides with the water level. What is the height of the arch (above the water) at distances of 10 and 20 meters from the center?

Example 10: A racetrack is in the shape of an ellipse 100 feet long and 50 feet wide. What is the width 10 feet from a vertex?

Example 11: Match the graphs with the equations:

Label the Vertex, Focus, and Directrix after finding the graph.

1)y2= -4x

2)(y-1)2=4(x-3)

3)x2=2y

4)(x+3)2=-2(y-1)

A) B)

C) D)