Question

Derive the equation of the parabola with the focus is (-7,5) and the directrix of y=-11

Answer 1

So, notice, the focus point is at -7, 5, and the directrix is at y = -11.

keep in mind that the vertex is half-way between those two fellows, and the distance from the vertex to either one of them is "p" units, check the picture below.

with that focus point and that directrix, the half-way over the axis of symmetry will be -7, -3, that's where the vertex is at, and notice the distance "p", is 8 units.

since the parabola is opening upwards, "p" is positive 8.

$\bf \textit{parabola vertex form with focus point distance}\\\\ \begin{array}{llll} 4p(x- h)=(y- k)^2 \\\\ \boxed{4p(y- k)=(x- h)^2} \end{array} \qquad \begin{array}{llll} vertex\ ( h, k)\\\\ p=\textit{distance from vertex to }\\ \qquad \textit{ focus or directrix} \end{array}\\\\ -------------------------------\\\\ \begin{cases} h=-7\\ k=-3\\ p=8 \end{cases}\implies 4(8)[y-(-3)]=[x-(-7)]^2 \\\\\\ 32(y+3)=(x+7)^2\implies y+3=\cfrac{1}{32}(x+7)^2 \\\\\\ y=\cfrac{1}{32}(x+7)^2-3$