Tricky Oblique Parabola Question?

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In summary, to find the equation of a parabola with a focus at (1,1) and a vertex at (4,5), you must first use the distance formula to find the distance between the focus and the vertex. Then, find the equation of a line that passes through these two points. This line will also be the directrix of the parabola. Next, find a line perpendicular to this line that passes through the focus. This line will intersect the parabola at the endpoints of the Latus Rectum. Finally, set this perpendicular line equal to the parabola and solve for the endpoints. The key to solving this problem is finding the equation of the line connecting the focus and the vertex.
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Please help with this! I cannot seem to figure it out.

A parabola has a focus (1,1) and a vertex (4,5).
Find the equation of the directrix, the endpoints of the latus rectum, and the equation in standard form.

I have plotted the points but I have no idea how to get the equation because it is not a normal parabola. Please help!
 
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Find the distance between the focus and the vertex (distance formula). Then find the equation of a line that passes through both of those points. From there, you should be able to find the directrix, remember that the directrix will be of equal distance as the one from the vertex to the focus, but in the opposite direction. Once you find that point, finding a line perpendicular to the one you did before, passing through the point of the directrix should satisfy that first part.

The endpoints of the Latus Rectum are going to be two places on a line perpendicular to that central symmetry line. Once you find that line (perpendicular with that line and through the focus), you can set it equal to the parabola and solve for the end points.

As you can see, the key to solving this problem is to find the equation of the line that connects the vertex and focus first thing. Everything else works out from that by finding lines that are perpendicular.
 

Related to Tricky Oblique Parabola Question?

1. What is an oblique parabola?

An oblique parabola, also known as a tilted or slanted parabola, is a parabola that is not aligned with the x or y axis. This means that the axis of symmetry is not parallel to the x or y axis.

2. How do you find the vertex of an oblique parabola?

To find the vertex of an oblique parabola, you can use the formula x = -b/2a, where a and b are the coefficients of the quadratic equation in standard form. This formula gives the x-coordinate of the vertex, and you can then plug this value into the original equation to find the y-coordinate.

3. Can an oblique parabola have a negative vertex?

Yes, an oblique parabola can have a negative vertex. The vertex can have any coordinates, as long as it satisfies the equation for the axis of symmetry, which is x = -b/2a.

4. How does the orientation of an oblique parabola affect its graph?

The orientation of an oblique parabola affects the direction in which the parabola opens. If the parabola is tilted to the right, it will open to the right, and if it is tilted to the left, it will open to the left. The steepness of the parabola will also be affected by the orientation.

5. What is the significance of an oblique parabola in real-world applications?

Oblique parabolas can be seen in various real-world applications, such as projectile motion, where the trajectory of a thrown object follows an oblique parabola. They can also be used in engineering and architecture to design structures and machines with specific shapes and dimensions.

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