2.

3 Focus of a Parabola
Essential Question What is the focus of a parabola?
COMMON
CORE
Analyzing Satellite Dishes
Learning Standards
HSF-IF.B.4 Work with a partner. Vertical rays enter a satellite dish whose cross section is a
HSF-IF.C.7c parabola. When the rays hit the parabola, they reflect at the same angle at which they
HSG-GPE.A.2
entered. (See Ray 1 in the figure.)
a. Draw the reflected rays so that they intersect the y-axis.

b. What do the reflected rays have in common?

c. The optimal location for the receiver of the satellite dish is at a point called the
focus of the parabola. Determine the location of the focus. Explain why this makes
sense in this situation.
y
Ray Ray Ray

incoming angle outgoing

1 2
angle y= 4
x

CONSTRUCTING
VIABLE
ARGUMENTS −2 −1 1 2 x
To be proficient in math,
you need to make
conjectures and build
logical progressions of Analyzing Spotlights
statements to explore the
truth of your conjectures.
Work with a partner. Beams of light are coming from the bulb in a spotlight, located
at the focus of the parabola. When the beams hit the parabola, they reflect at the same
angle at which they hit. (See Beam 1 in the figure.) Draw the reflected beams. What do
they have in common? Would you consider this to be the optimal result? Explain.

outgoing y
angle
1
2 y= 2
x2

Beam

1
bulb

incoming angle Beam

−2 −1 Beam 1 2 x

Communicate Your Answer

3. What is the focus of a parabola?
4. Describe some of the properties of the focus of a parabola.

Section 2.3 Focus of a Parabola 67

2.3 Lesson What You Will Learn
Explore the focus and the directrix of a parabola.
Write equations of parabolas.
Core Vocabul
Vocabulary
larry Solve real-life problems.
focus, p. 68
directrix, p. 68 Exploring the Focus and Directrix
Previous Previously, you learned that the graph of a quadratic function is a parabola that opens
perpendicular up or down. A parabola can also be defined as the set of all points (x, y) in a plane that
Distance Formula are equidistant from a fixed point called the focus and a fixed line called the directrix.
congruent
axis of
The focus is in the interior symmetry
of the parabola and lies on
the axis of symmetry.
The directrix is
perpendicular to the
The vertex lies halfway axis of symmetry.
between the focus and
the directrix.

Using the Distance Formula to Write an Equation

STUDY TIP
The distance from a Use the Distance Formula to write an equation of the y
point to a line is defined parabola with focus F(0, 2) and directrix y = −2. F(0, 2)
as the length of the P(x, y)
perpendicular segment SOLUTION
x
from the point to the line. Notice the line segments drawn from point F to point P
and from point P to point D. By the definition of a D(x, −2)
parabola, these line segments must be congruent. y = −2

PD = PF Definition of a parabola
—— ——
√(x − x1)2 + (y − y1)2 = √(x − x2)2 + (y − y2)2 Distance Formula
—— ——
√(x − x)2 + (y − (−2))2 = √(x − 0)2 + (y − 2)2 Substitute for x1, y1, x2, and y2.
— ——
√(y + 2)2 = √x 2 + (y − 2)2 Simplify.
(y + 2)2 = x 2 + (y − 2)2 Square each side.
y2 + 4y + 4 = x2 + y2 − 4y + 4 Expand.
8y = x 2 Combine like terms.
1
y= —8 x2 Divide each side by 8.

Monitoring Progress Help in English and Spanish at BigIdeasMath.com

1. Use the Distance Formula to write an equation y

of the parabola with focus F(0, −3) and D(x, 3)
directrix y = 3.
y=3

P(x, y)
F(0, −3)

68 Chapter 2 Quadratic Functions

 You can derive the equation of a parabola that opens up or down with vertex (0, 0),
focus (0, p), and directrix y = −p using the procedure in Example 1.
—— ——
y √(x − x)2 + (y − (−p))2 = √(x − 0)2 + (y − p)2
F(0, p)
(y + p)2 = x 2 + (y − p)2
P(x, y)
y2 + 2py + p2 = x 2 + y2 − 2py + p2
x
4py = x 2
D(x, −p)
y = −p 1
y = —x2
4p
LOOKING FOR The focus and directrix each lie ∣ p ∣ units from the vertex. Parabolas can also open left
STRUCTURE 1
or right, in which case the equation has the form x = — y2 when the vertex is (0, 0).
4p
1
Notice that y = — x2 is
4p
of the form y = ax2. So,
Core Concept
changing the value of Standard Equations of a Parabola with Vertex at the Origin
p vertically stretches or Vertical axis of symmetry (x = 0)
shrinks the parabola.
1 y directrix:
Equation: y = — x 2 y = −p
y
4p focus:
(0, p)
Focus: (0, p) vertex: (0, 0)
vertex: (0, 0) x x
Directrix: y = −p focus:
directrix: (0, p)
y = −p
p>0 p<0
Horizontal axis of symmetry (y = 0)
1 y
Equation: x = — y 2 y
4p directrix:
focus: focus: x = −p
Focus: (p, 0) (p, 0) (p, 0)
vertex: x vertex: x
STUDY TIP Directrix: x = −p directrix: (0, 0)
x = −p (0, 0)
Notice that parabolas
opening left or right
do not represent functions. p>0 p<0

Graphing an Equation of a Parabola

Identify the focus, directrix, and axis of symmetry of −4x = y2. Graph the equation.

SOLUTION
Step 1 Rewrite the equation in standard form.
−4x = y2 Write the original equation.
1
x = −— y2 Divide each side by –4.
4
y Step 2 Identify the focus, directrix, and axis of symmetry. The equation has the form
4
1
x=1 x = —y2, where p = −1. The focus is (p, 0), or (−1, 0). The directrix is
4p
x = −p, or x = 1. Because y is squared, the axis of symmetry is the x-axis.
(−1, 0)
−4 −2 2 x Step 3 Use a table of values to graph the
y 0 ±1 ±2 ±3 ±4
equation. Notice that it is easier to
substitute y-values and solve for x. x 0 −0.25 −1 −2.25 −4
−4 Opposite y-values result in the
same x-value.

Section 2.3 Focus of a Parabola 69

 Writing Equations of Parabolas
Writing an Equation of a Parabola

y Write an equation of the parabola shown.

4

directrix SOLUTION
vertex Because the vertex is at the origin and the axis of symmetry is vertical, the equation
−4 4x 1
has the form y = — x2. The directrix is y = −p = 3, so p = −3. Substitute −3 for p to
−2 4p
write an equation of the parabola.
1 1
y = —x 2 = −—x 2
4(−3) 12
1
So, an equation of the parabola is y = −— 2
12 x .

Monitoring Progress Help in English and Spanish at BigIdeasMath.com

Identify the focus, directrix, and axis of symmetry of the parabola. Then graph
the equation.

2. y = 0.5x 2 3. −y = x 2 4. y 2 = 6x
Write an equation of the parabola with vertex at (0, 0) and the given directrix
or focus.

5. directrix: x = −3 6. focus: (−2, 0) ( )

7. focus: 0, —2
3

The vertex of a parabola is not always at the origin. As in previous transformations,

adding a value to the input or output of a function translates its graph.

Core Concept
Standard Equations of a Parabola with Vertex at (h, k )
Vertical axis of symmetry (x = h)
1 x=h x=h
Equation: y = — (x − h)2 + k y (h, k + p) y x
4p
Focus: (h, k + p) y=k−p
STUDY TIP
The standard form for a Directrix: y = k − p
vertical axis of symmetry y=k−p (h, k) (h, k)
looks like vertex form. To (h, k + p)
x
remember the standard
form for a horizontal axis p>0 p<0
of symmetry, switch x and Horizontal axis of symmetry (y = k )
y, and h and k.
1 x=h−p y
Equation: x = — (y − k)2 + h y (h, k)
4p
Focus: (h + p, k) (h + p, k) y=k
x
Directrix: x = h − p y=k (h + p, k) x

(h, k) x=h−p
p>0 p<0

70 Chapter 2 Quadratic Functions

 Writing an Equation of a Translated Parabola

y Write an equation of the parabola shown.

8
SOLUTION
4
vertex focus Because the vertex is not at the origin and the axis of symmetry is horizontal, the
1
4 12 16 x equation has the form x = — (y − k)2 + h. The vertex (h, k) is (6, 2) and the focus
4p
(h + p, k) is (10, 2), so h = 6, k = 2, and p = 4. Substitute these values to write an
equation of the parabola.
1 1
x = — (y − 2)2 + 6 = — (y − 2)2 + 6
4(4) 16
1
So, an equation of the parabola is x = —
16
(y − 2)2 + 6.

Solving Real-Life Problems

Parabolic reflectors have cross Focus Focus
sections that are parabolas.
Incoming sound, light, or other
energy that arrives at a parabolic
reflector parallel to the axis of Diagram 1 Diagram 2
symmetry is directed to the focus
(Diagram 1). Similarly, energy that is emitted from the focus of a parabolic reflector
and then strikes the reflector is directed parallel to the axis of symmetry (Diagram 2).

Solving a Real-Life Problem

y An electricity-generating dish uses a parabolic reflector to concentrate sunlight onto a

high-frequency engine located at the focus of the reflector. The sunlight heats helium
to 650°C to power the engine. Write an equation that represents the cross section of the
engine dish shown with its vertex at (0, 0). What is the depth of the dish?

4.5 m SOLUTION
Because the vertex is at the origin, and the axis of symmetry is vertical, the equation
x 1
has the form y = —x2. The engine is at the focus, which is 4.5 meters above the
8.5 m 4p
vertex. So, p = 4.5. Substitute 4.5 for p to write the equation.
1 1
y = — x2 = —x2
4(4.5) 18
The depth of the dish is the y-value at the dish’s outside edge. The dish extends
8.5
— = 4.25 meters to either side of the vertex (0, 0), so find y when x = 4.25.
2
1
y = — (4.25)2 ≈ 1
18

The depth of the dish is about 1 meter.

Monitoring Progress Help in English and Spanish at BigIdeasMath.com

8. Write an equation of a parabola with vertex (−1, 4) and focus (−1, 2).
9. A parabolic microwave antenna is 16 feet in diameter. Write an equation that
represents the cross section of the antenna with its vertex at (0, 0) and its focus
10 feet to the right of the vertex. What is the depth of the antenna?

Section 2.3 Focus of a Parabola 71

 2.3 Exercises Dynamic Solutions available at BigIdeasMath.com

Vocabulary and Core Concept Check

1. COMPLETE THE SENTENCE A parabola is the set of all points in a plane equidistant from a fixed point
called the ______ and a fixed line called the __________ .

2. WRITING Explain how to find the coordinates of the focus of a parabola with vertex ( 0, 0 ) and
directrix y = 5.

Monitoring Progress and Modeling with Mathematics

In Exercises 3–10, use the Distance Formula to write an In Exercises 13–20, identify the focus, directrix, and
equation of the parabola. (See Example 1.) axis of symmetry of the parabola. Graph the equation.
(See Example 2.)
3. y 4. y D(x, 4) 1 1
13. y = —8 x2 14. y = −—
12 x
2
F(0, 1)
y=4
P(x, y) 1 1
15. x = −—
20 y
2 16. x = —
24
y2
x
x
D(x, −1) 17. y 2 = 16x 18. −x 2 = 48y
y = −1 P(x, y)
19. 6x 2 + 3y = 0 20. 8x2 − y = 0
F(0, −4)

5. focus: (0, −2) 6. directrix: y = 7 ERROR ANALYSIS In Exercises 21 and 22, describe and
directrix: y = 2 focus: (0, −7) correct the error in graphing the parabola.

7. vertex: (0, 0)
directrix: y = −6
8. vertex: (0, 0)
focus: (0, 5)
21.
✗ –6x + y 2 = 0

8
y
(0, 1.5)
9. vertex: (0, 0) 10. vertex: (0, 0)
4
focus: (0, −10) directrix: y = −9
4 x
11. ANALYZING RELATIONSHIPS Which of the given
characteristics describe parabolas that open down? −4 y = −1.5
Explain your reasoning.

A focus: (0, −6) B focus: (0, −2)

✗
○ ○ 22.
directrix: y = 6 directrix: y = 2 0.5y 2 + x = 0
C focus: (0, 6)
○ D focus: (0, −1)
○ y
directrix: y = −6 directrix: y = 1 x = −0.5 2

12. REASONING Which y (0.5, 0)

of the following are −4 −2 2 4x
V(0, 0)
possible coordinates of x
the point P in the graph P(x, y)
shown? Explain. F(0, −9)

23. ANALYZING EQUATIONS The cross section (with

B ( 3, −—4 ) C ( 4, −—9 )
1 4
A (−6, −1)
○ ○ ○ units in inches) of a parabolic satellite dish can be
1 2
modeled by the equation y = — 38
x . How far is the
D ( 1, —
36 ) F ( 2, −—
18 )
1 1
○ E (6, −1)
○ ○ receiver from the vertex of the cross section? Explain.

72 Chapter 2 Quadratic Functions

HSCC_Alg2_PE_02.3.indd 72 5/28/14 11:50 AM

24. ANALYZING EQUATIONS The cross section (with In Exercises 37–40, write an equation of the parabola
units in inches) of a parabolic spotlight can be shown. (See Example 4.)
1 2
modeled by the equation x = — y . How far is the bulb
20 37. 38.
from the vertex of the cross section? Explain.
y y
8
4
4
2 focus
focus vertex
−12 vertex x
2 6x
−4
−2
−8

39. 40.
y y
3
focus
2
−10 −6 −2 2x
vertex

vertex
In Exercises 25–28, write an equation of the parabola
shown. (See Example 3.) −10
−2 −1 1 2x focus
y
25. y 26. 3 −14
y=4
directrix
vertex
x
In Exercises 41– 46, identify the vertex, focus, directrix,
vertex x and axis of symmetry of the parabola. Describe the
y = −8 transformations of the graph of the standard equation
directrix
with vertex (0, 0).
1 1
41. y = —8 (x − 3)2 + 2 42. y = −—4 (x + 2)2 + 1
y y
27. 28. 1
43. x = —
16
(y − 3)2 + 1 44. y = (x + 3)2 − 5
5
x= 2 x = −2
45. x = −3(y + 4)2 + 2 46. x = 4(y + 5)2 − 1
vertex vertex
x x
directrix 47. MODELING WITH MATHEMATICS Scientists studying
directrix
dolphin echolocation simulate the projection of a
bottlenose dolphin’s clicking sounds using computer
models. The models originate the sounds at the focus
of a parabolic reflector. The parabola in the graph
shows the cross section of the reflector with focal
In Exercises 29–36, write an equation of the parabola
length of 1.3 inches and aperture width of 8 inches.
with the given characteristics.
Write an equation to represent the cross section
29. focus: (3, 0) 30. focus: —3 , 0( ) 2
of the reflector. What is the depth of the reflector?
2 (See Example 5.)
directrix: x = −3 directrix: x = −—3
y
8
31. directrix: x = −10 32. directrix: y = —3
aperture
vertex: (0, 0) vertex: (0, 0)

(
33. focus: 0, −—3
5
) 34. focus: 0, —4 ( ) 5 F x

5
directrix: y = —53 directrix: y = −—4

( )
35. focus: 0, —7
6
(
36. focus: −—5 , 0
4
)
focal length
vertex: (0, 0) vertex: (0, 0)

Section 2.3 Focus of a Parabola 73

48. MODELING WITH MATHEMATICS Solar energy can be 51. CRITICAL THINKING The distance from point P to the
concentrated using long troughs that have a parabolic directrix is 2 units. Write an equation of the parabola.
cross section as shown in the figure. Write an equation
y
to represent the cross section of the trough. What are
the domain and range in this situation? What do
they represent?
P(−2, 1)
5.8 m
V(0, 0) x

52. THOUGHT PROVOKING Two parabolas have the

1.7 m same focus (a, b) and focal length of 2 units. Write
an equation of each parabola. Identify the directrix of
each parabola.

49. ABSTRACT REASONING As ∣ p ∣ increases, how does

53. REPEATED REASONING Use the Distance Formula
1
the width of the graph of the equation y = —x2 to derive the equation of a parabola that opens to
4p
the right with vertex (0, 0), focus (p, 0), and
change? Explain your reasoning.
directrix x = −p.
y

50. HOW DO YOU SEE IT? The graph shows the path of a x = −p
volleyball served from an initial height of 6 feet as it
travels over a net. F(p, 0)
x
y A

D(−p, y) P(x, y)

54. PROBLEM SOLVING The latus rectum of a parabola is

x
the line segment that is parallel to the directrix, passes
C through the focus, and has endpoints that lie on the
parabola. Find the length of the latus rectum of the
a. Label the vertex, focus, and a point on parabola shown.
the directrix. latus y
rectum F(0, 2)
b. An underhand serve follows the same parabolic A B
path but is hit from a height of 3 feet. How does
this affect the focus? the directrix? V(0, 0) x

y = −2

Maintaining Mathematical Proficiency Reviewing what you learned in previous grades and lessons

Write an equation of the line that passes through the points. (Section 1.3)

55. (1, −4), (2, −1) 56. (−3, 12), (0, 6) 57. (3, 1), (−5, 5) 58. (2, −1), (0, 1)

Use a graphing calculator to find an equation for the line of best fit. (Section 1.3)

59. 60.
x 0 3 6 7 11 x 0 5 10 12 16
y 4 9 24 29 46 y 18 15 9 7 2

74 Chapter 2 Quadratic Functions