Definition of a parabola

Overview

Equidistant from a focus and a directrix.

Explanation

A parabola is points equally far from a focus and a directrix.
With focus (0, p) and directrix y = −p, the equation is x² = 4py (or y = x²/(4p)).
Eccentricity e = 1 (between ellipse and hyperbola).

How to use

Drag P; distance to focus equals distance to the directrix.

Knowledge points

• Conics
• Parabolas
• High school