How do you find the standard form of the equation of the parabola with focus (7, 5) & directrix x=1?

1 Answer
Jul 6, 2016

#(y-5)^2=12(x-4)# is the reqd. eqn.

Explanation:

Let #S(7,5)# be the Focus & the eqn. of Dir. # d: x-1=0.#

If #P(x,y)# be any point on the reqd. Parabola , then by the Focus-Directrix Property of Parabola, we have,

Dist. #SP# = Perp. Dist. btwn. #(P,d).#

#:. sqrt[(x-7)^2+(y-5)^2]=|x-1|.................(1)#

#:.(x-7)^2+(y-5)^2=|x-1|^2#

#:. (y-5)^2=x^2-2x+1-x^2+14x-49=12x-48,# i.e.,

#(y-5)^2=12(x-4)# is the reqd. eqn.

The Left Member of #(1)# is obtained using the Distance Formula, whereas, the Right one uses the Formula for the Perp. Dist. of a Pt. to a Line.

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