What is an equation of the parabola formed when the distance from (-1, 4) is the same as its distance from x = 5?
Options
A
B
C
D
Answer & Analysis
Answer
D
Analysis
Question Analysis
The main focus is to derive the equation of a parabola using the definition: points equidistant from a fixed point (focus) and a fixed line (directrix).
Key Concept Explanation
A parabola is the set of points where the distance to the focus equals the distance to the directrix. For a horizontal parabola with focus and directrix , the standard form is .
Step-by-Step Solution
1. Identify focus and directrix:
Focus: , Directrix: .
2. Find the vertex :
The vertex is the midpoint between the focus and directrix:
.
3. Calculate :
Distance from vertex to focus (or directrix):
.
4. Write the equation:
Substitute ,
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