117884
AssignmentMultiple Choice

Parabolas

Question 117884 • *CR CCSS Math 2 S2 [M2960OX]

The parabola has a focus at (−3, 0) and directrix x = 3. What is the correct equation for the parabola?

Answer
A
x2 = −12y
B
x2 = 3y
C
y2 = 3x
D
y2 = −12x

Explanation

The focus and directrix lie on the horizontal line y = 0, so the parabola opens left or right. Its vertex is halfway between the focus (−3, 0) and directrix x = 3, giving vertex (0, 0). The focus is 3 units left of the vertex, so p = −3; using the horizontal-parabola form y² = 4px gives y² = 4(−3)x = −12x, which is choice D.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

Previous
Next