Log in

View Full Version : Finding vertex and focus of equation y^2=3x


Dylanrighter
May 15, 2012, 11:14 AM
Need to find vertex and focus

ebaines
May 15, 2012, 11:25 AM
Need to find vertex and focus

The standard form for the equation of a pabola is

y-y1 = (1/4p) (x-x1)^2

where (x1, y1) are the coordinates of the vertex and 'p' is the distance from the vertex to the focus. But for your problem they have reversed the role of the x and the y - note that your equation is of the form x = y^2 rather than y = x^2. This means that the parobla is "lieing on its side," and the form is

x-x1 = (1/4p) (y - y1)^2

From this can you now determine values for x1 and y1 (the vertex) and then find the value of p, and the location of the focus?