Check the picture below.
now, we know the directrix is at y = 1, and the focus point is at 1,3, well, notice the picture, the distance between those fellows is just 2 units.
the vertex is half-way between those fellows, therefore, the vertex will be at 1,2.
the distance "p", from the vertex to either the directrix or focus, is really just 1 unit. Since the focus point is above the directrix, is a vertical parabola, and it opens upwards, like in the picture, and since it opens up, the "p" value is positive, or +1.
now, we know the directrix is at y = 1, and the focus point is at 1,3, well, notice the picture, the distance between those fellows is just 2 units.
the vertex is half-way between those fellows, therefore, the vertex will be at 1,2.
the distance "p", from the vertex to either the directrix or focus, is really just 1 unit. Since the focus point is above the directrix, is a vertical parabola, and it opens upwards, like in the picture, and since it opens up, the "p" value is positive, or +1.