Derive the equation of the parabola with a focus at (-5, 5) and a directrix of y = -1.
Solution:
Focus = (-5, 5)
Directrix y = -1
Consider (x, y) as a point on the parabola
Distance from focus point (-5, 5) is √[(x + 5)2 + (y - 5)2]
Distance from directrix y = -1 is |y + 1|
So the equation is
√[(x + 5)2 + (y - 5)2] = |y + 1|
By squaring on both sides
(x + 5)2 + (y - 5)2 = (y + 1)2
We get
x2 + 10x + 25 + y2 - 10y + 25 = y2 + 2y + 1
By further calculation
x2 + y2 + 10x - 10 y + 50 = y2 + 2y + 1
Grouping the similar terms
x2 + y2 + 10x - 10 y + 50 - y2 - 2y - 1 = 0
x2 + 10x - 12y + 49 = 0
Therefore, the equation of the parabola is x2 + 10x - 12y + 49 = 0.
Derive the equation of the parabola with a focus at (-5, 5) and a directrix of y = -1.
Summary:
The equation of the parabola with a focus at (-5, 5) and a directrix of y = -1 is x2 + 10x - 12y + 49 = 0.
Math worksheets and
visual curriculum
visual curriculum