What is an equation of the parabola formed when the distance from (0, -2) is the same as its distance from y = 6?
Options
A
B
C
D
Answer & Analysis
Answer
B
Analysis
Question Analysis
The main focus is to derive the equation of a parabola using its definition: the set of points equidistant from a focus and a directrix, identifying its orientation and key parameters.
Key Concept Explanation
A parabola is the set of points where the distance to the focus equals the distance to the directrix. For a vertical 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):
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