Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Parabola Definition
A parabola is a symmetric curve formed by the intersection of a cone with a plane parallel to its side. It can be represented by a quadratic equation in the form (x-h)² = 4p(y-k) or (y-k)² = 4p(x-h), where (h, k) is the vertex and p is the distance from the vertex to the focus or directrix.
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Vertex of a Parabola
The vertex of a parabola is the point where it changes direction, representing either the maximum or minimum point of the curve. For the equation (x-4)² = 4(y+1), the vertex can be found at the point (h, k), which in this case is (4, -1). This point is crucial for graphing the parabola.
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Focus and Directrix
The focus of a parabola is a fixed point located along the axis of symmetry, while the directrix is a line perpendicular to this axis. The distance from the vertex to the focus is equal to the distance from the vertex to the directrix, denoted as 'p'. For the given equation, the focus is at (4, -1 + p) and the directrix is the line y = -1 - p, where p is derived from the equation.
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Parabolas as Conic Sections