Geometric Definition of a Parabola
Vocabulary:
Parabola - The set of all points (x, y) such that each point is equidistant (the same distance) from a point called the focus and a line called the directrix.
Directrix - A line that always lies outside the parabola and is perpendicular to the Axis of Symmetry.
Focus - A point that always lies inside the parabola.
Applet Directions:
Position the directix using points A and B.
Position the Focus.
Move point D along the directrix to construct the parabola.
Press Ctrl-F to delete the trace.
Special Thanks to:
Jerel L. Welker
Lincoln Southwest High School
Lincoln, NE
jwelker@lps.org
This is a wonderful applet.