How do you find the equation of the parabola whose Focus (0,-1/4) and directrix (0,1/4)?

1 Answer
BeeFree
Nov 29, 2015

The vertex will lie halfway between the focus and directrix.

Explanation:

I think you meant to write that the directrix is y=1/4. Assuming that is true, then the directrix lies above the focus, so this parabola opens downward (concave down).

Vertex =(0,0) which is halfway between the focus and directrix.

Distance between focus and vertex p= 1/4

Coefficient abs(a)=1/(4xx1/4)=1

The sign on a is negative , so a=-1

Equation of parabola : y=-x^2

hope that helps!

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