Graphing ParabolasA series of free Intermediate Algebra Video Lessons from Brightstorm online Algebra series.
Graphing a Horizontal Parabola We are used to looking at quadratic equations where "y" is the variable that is equal to the squared "x" terms. However, in a horizontal parabola the "x" is equal to the "y" term squared. Instead of going up and down, a horizontal parabola goes from side to side. When graphing a horizontal parabola, we first need to make sure the formula is in standard form and then plot accordingly.
Dilations of Quadratic Graphs When graphing parabolas and other functions, there are certain types of graph dilations that help us graph and explore parabolas more efficiently. When graphing parabolas, dilations occur when the "a" term value is changed. If we change the "a" to a negative, the graph shifts downward instead of upward. As the absolute value of the "a" value increases, the graph becomes "steeper." If we use a fraction as the "a" value, the graph of the parabola becomes wider.
Focus and Directrix of a Parabola A parabola is the curve formed from all points that are equidistant from the directrix and the focus. The parabola focus is a point from which distances are measured in forming a conic and where these distances converge. A parabola directrix is a line from which distances are measured in forming a conic. The line perpendicular to the directrix and passing through the focus is called the axis of symmetry.
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