Question Analysis
The main focus is to identify the vertex, focus, and directrix of a horizontal parabola from its standard form equation.
Key Concept Explanation
Standard Form of a Horizontal Parabola: The equation represents a horizontal parabola with:
Vertex: .
Focus: if p > 0 (opens right) or if p < 0 (opens left).
Directrix: (vertical line).
The sign of determines the direction: p > 0 (right), p < 0 (left).
Step-by-Step Solution
1. Rewrite the equation in standard form:
Given , compare to :
.
2. Determine key features:
Vertex: (always the origin for ).
Focus: Since (negative), the parabola opens left, and the focus is at .
Directrix: