Types of Parabola

By translating the parabola x 2 = 2py its vertex is moved from the origin to the point A (x 0, y 0) so that its equation: transforms to (x-x 0) 2 = 2p(y-y 0). The axis of symmetry of this parabola is parallel to the y-axis.

According to the definition of a parabola as a conic section, the boundary of this pink cross-section, EPD, is a parabola. A horizontal cross-section of the cone passes through the vertex, P, of the parabola.

I'm working on understanding how to find the equation of a parabola using directrix and focus. I understand the formulas that use the pythagorean theorem/distance formula to equate the distance from a point of the parabola $P = (x, y)$ and the directrix to the distance of said point to the focus.

We also get a parabola when we slice through a cone (the slice must be parallel to the side of the cone). So the parabola is a conic section (a section of a cone).

Design for a parabolic compass - by Leonardo da Vinci Courtesy of LeonardoDaVinci.net: MOST POPULAR PAINTINGS

It has following important parts: Axis of symmetry -Axis of symmetry of a parabola is the line about which it is symmetric. It is the line at which vertex and focus is located. Axis of symmetry is either X or Y axis or it is parallel to either X or Y axis. Vertex - Vertex is the point where parabola and its axis of symmetry intersect each other.