Find the standard form of the equation of the parabola with the given characteristics and vertex at the origin. Passes through the point (-5, 1/8); vertical axis.

Question

There is no focus of the parabola or equation given, so how am I suppose to solve this problem?

Answer 1

Since the axis is vertical, you know it's

y = a(x-h)^2 + k

Since the vertex is at (0,0), you know that h=k=0, and thus

y = ax^2

1/8 = 25a
a = 1/200

so,

y = 1/200 x^2

All the data you needed was there. Just gotta read it carefully.