Unit: Parabolas

Students work from the geometric definition to construct a parabola using the focus and directrix. They use the Pythagorean theorem to connect the geometric definition to the algebraic representation of a parabola on the coordinate grid. Through a series of activities, they develop the vertex form of the equation of a parabola. They also learn to identify geometric information, such as the coordinates of the focus and vertex, from the various forms of the equation of a parabola.