What is an equation of the parabola with vertex at the origin and focus (-5, 0)
Solution:
A parabola refers to an equation of a curve, such that a point on the curve is equidistant from a fixed point, and a fixed line.
The fixed point is called the focus of the parabola, and the fixed line is called the directrix of the parabola.
Given, vertex = (0, 0)
Focus = (-5, 0)
We have to find the equation of the parabola.
The equation is of the form y = -ax2
Directrix x = 5.
As every point on parabola is equidistant from focus and directrix, the equation will be
y2 + (x + 5)2 = (x - 5)2
y2 + x2 + 10x + 25 = x2 - 10x + 25
y2 = - 10x - 10x
y2 = -20x
Therefore, the equation of parabola is y2 = -20x
What is an equation of the parabola with vertex at the origin and focus (-5, 0)
Summary:
The equation of a parabola with vertex (0, 0) and focus (-5, 0) is y2 = -20x.
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