Write the equation of the parabola whose vertex is at (- 3, 0) and the directrix is x + 5 = 0.

Given the equation of directrix(M) is x + 5 = 0 and vertex is (- 3, 0).



We know that the directrix and axis are perpendicular to each other. The axis also passes through the vertex.


Let us find the slope of the directrix.


We know that the slope of the line ax + by + c = 0 is .



m1 = ∞.


The slope of the directrix is parallel to the slope of the y - axis. So, the slope of the axis is parallel to the slope of x - axis i.e., 0.


We know that the equation of the line passing through the point (x1, y1) and having slope m is (y - y1) = m(x - x1)


y - 0 = 0(x - (- 3))


y - 0 = 0


y = 0


On solving the lines x + 5 = 0 and y = 0, we get the intersection point to be (- 5, 0).


We know that vertex is the mid - point of focus and point of intersection of directrix and axis.


Let (x1, y1) be the focus.




- 5 + x1 = - 6 and y1 = 0


x1 = - 1 and y1 = 0.


The focus is S(- 1, 0).


Let us assume P(x, y) be any point on the parabola.


We know that the point on the parabola is equidistant from focus and directrix.


We know that the distance between two points (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) is .


We know that the perpendicular distance from a point (x1, y1) to the line ax + by + c = 0 is .


SP = PM


SP2 = PM2




x2 + y2 + 2x + 1 = x2 + 10x + 25


y2 - 8x - 24 = 0


The equation of the parabola is y2 - 8x - 24 = 0.


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