The Equation Of A Parabola Math
The standard form of a parabola s equation is generally expressed.
The equation of a parabola math. Any ray parallel to the axis of symmetry gets reflected off the surface straight to the focus. The axis of symmetry is the line x b 2 a. Y a x 2 b x c. If a 0 the parabola opens upwards.
X a y k 2 h. Y a x h 2 k. And if the parabola opens horizontally which can mean the open side of the u faces right or left you ll use this equation. The most general form of a quadratic function is f x ax2 bx c f x a x 2 b x c.
All parabolas are vaguely u shaped and they will have a highest or lowest point that is called the vertex. Axis of symmetry from standard form. Get a piece of paper draw a straight line on it then make a big dot for the focus not on the line. The role of a.
The axis of symmetry. Picture of standard form equation. Remember if the parabola opens vertically which can mean the open side of the u faces up or down you ll use this equation. If a 0 it opens downwards.