A parabola has a vertex at (0,0). The equation for the directrix of the parabola is x = -4. In which direction does the parabola open?

Solution:

It is given that

The vertex of the parabola is at (0, 0)

Directrix of the parabola is x = -4

We know that

When the vertex of the parabola is (0, 0) and the directrix is x = - a

The parabola is of the form y² = 4ax

So the parabola opens towards the right.

Therefore, the parabola opens towards the right.

A parabola has a vertex at (0,0). The equation for the directrix of the parabola is x = -4. In which direction does the parabola open?

Summary:

A parabola has a vertex at (0,0). The equation for the directrix of the parabola is x = -4. The parabola opens towards the right.