Write the equation of the parabola with a focus at (10,−3) and a directrix of x=2. It will be helpful to draw a sketch first and identify the information needed to write the equation.(

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To write the equation of the parabola, we need to analyze the information given regarding the focus and directrix.

  1. Identify the Characteristics of the Parabola:

    • The focus of the parabola is located at \( (10, -3) \).
    • The directrix is a vertical line defined by the equation \( x = 2 \).
    • Since the focus is to the right of the directrix, the parabola opens to the right.
  2. Determine the Vertex:

    • The vertex of the parabola is located halfway between the focus and the directrix.
    • The x-coordinate of the vertex can be determined by averaging the x-coordinates of the focus and the line \( x = 2 \): \[ \text{Vertex (h)} = \frac{10 + 2}{2} = \frac{12}{2} = 6. \]
    • The y-coordinate of the vertex is the same as the y-coordinate of the focus since the directrix is vertical. Therefore, the y-coordinate of the vertex is \( -3 \).

    So, the vertex is at \( (6, -3) \).

  3. Determine the Distance \( p \):

    • The distance \( p \) is the distance from the vertex to the focus (or to the directrix).
    • Since the focus is at \( (10, -3) \) and the vertex is at \( (6, -3) \), \[ p = 10 - 6 = 4. \]
    • This means the parabola opens to the right and \( p = 4 \).
  4. Write the Equation of the Parabola:

    • The general form of the equation of a horizontally opening parabola with vertex at \( (h, k) \) is given by: \[ (y - k)^2 = 4p(x - h). \]
    • Substituting \( h = 6 \), \( k = -3 \), and \( p = 4 \): \[ (y + 3)^2 = 16(x - 6). \]

Thus, the equation of the parabola is: \[ (y + 3)^2 = 16(x - 6). \]

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