Topic explanation

Standard explanation

For y^2=4ax, focus=(a,0), directrix x=-a, and latus rectum length=4a.

Key points

• Parabola in standard form
• rule
• worked example
• Parabola in standard form: For y^2=4ax, focus=(a,0), directrix x=-a, and latus rectum length=4a.
• CONCEPT AND RULE: For y^2=4ax, focus=(a,0), directrix x=-a, and latus rectum length=4a.
• METHOD: For parabola in standard form, identify the given information and required result. Select the matchi
• For y^2=4ax, focus=(a,0), directrix x=-a, and latus rectum length=4a.
• Worked pattern: For y^2=8x, a=2 and focus=(2,0).

Labelled diagram