How to write the equation of a parabola in conic sections given vertex and directrix

The video tutorial explains how to plot a vertex and directrix on a graph, determine the direction in which the graph opens, and formulate the equation of a parabola. The teacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the relationship between the vertex, directrix, and focus, and how these elements influence the graph's direction. The tutorial concludes with a clarification of concepts and the final equation.

What is the first step when plotting a parabola given the vertex and directrix?

• Determine the axis of symmetry

• Plot the vertex and directrix

• Calculate the focus

• Find the distance P

How do you determine the direction in which a parabola opens?

• Towards the directrix

• Away from the directrix

• Towards the vertex

• Away from the vertex

What is the relationship between the vertex, focus, and directrix in a parabola?

• The vertex is closer to the directrix than the focus

• The directrix is equidistant from the vertex and focus

• The vertex is equidistant from the focus and directrix

• The focus is equidistant from the vertex and directrix

What does the variable P represent in the equation of a parabola?

• The distance from the vertex to the axis of symmetry

• The distance from the vertex to the directrix

• The distance from the vertex to the focus

• The distance from the focus to the directrix

How does a negative sign in the parabola's equation affect its graph?

• It makes the parabola open to the left

• It makes the parabola open downwards

• It makes the parabola open upwards

• It makes the parabola open to the right