Parabolas

Today you will investigate and identify the important characteristics of a parabola.

Patty Paper Parabolas1. With a straight edge, draw a line through the center

of your patty paper.2. Draw a point about 2-5 cm away from the center of

the line (but not on the line).3. Fold the patty paper so that the point touches the

far left side of the line. Crease the fold.4. Unfold the patty paper.5. Fold the patty paper again so that the point touches

the line a few mm from where it touched the first time. Crease the fold. Unfold.

6. Repeat Step 5 until you have touched the point to the line (and creased) all across the length of the line.

Analysis

Identify the Conic Section you have formed. What do you think a good definition for this

conic section would be? Tell why the folds you made ended up

forming the conic section. What would happen to the shape of the

conic section if your point were closer to the line? Farther away from the line?

Parabola

Analyzing the Definition

Graphing Form of the Equation of a Parabola with Vertex (h,k)

Example #1

Answer to Example #1

Example #2

Answer to Example #2

Example #3

Exit Slip

Please clear your desk and take out a pencil.

Complete the Exit Slip before you leave class.

Assignment

A 3.2

Sect I

See you tomorrow!