Learn how to find the vertex, focus and directrix

The video tutorial explains how to determine the type of parabola by identifying the squared variable. It covers transforming the equation into standard form and completing the square. The tutorial also demonstrates how to find the vertex, focus, and directrix of the parabola. The session concludes with addressing student questions.

What determines if a parabola is vertical or horizontal?

• The sign of the leading coefficient

• The constant term

• The variable that is squared

• The coefficient of the linear term

What is the first step in transforming an equation to standard form?

• Adding a constant to both sides

• Factoring the quadratic expression

• Multiplying by the reciprocal of a coefficient

• Completing the square

What is the purpose of completing the square?

• To eliminate the linear term

• To find the roots of the equation

• To simplify the equation

• To transform the quadratic into a perfect square trinomial

How do you determine the vertex of a parabola from its standard form?

• By finding the midpoint of the focus and directrix

• By setting the derivative to zero

• By using the coefficients of the quadratic term

• By taking the opposite values of h and k

What does the value of 'p' represent in the context of a parabola?

• The width of the parabola

• The distance from the vertex to the focus

• The height of the parabola

• The slope of the tangent at the vertex

How is the directrix of a parabola related to its vertex?

• It is a fixed distance from the vertex

• It passes through the vertex

• It is parallel to the axis of symmetry

• It is perpendicular to the axis of symmetry

In a vertical parabola, how is the focus positioned relative to the vertex?

• To the left or right of the vertex

• Directly above or below the vertex

• At the origin

• At the midpoint of the directrix