Parabola Focal Length Calculator
Unlock the secrets of parabolas! Enter the equation to calculate the focal length and visualize the curve.
Enter Parabola Equation
Input the equation of the parabola in the form (x-h)² = 4p(y-k) or (y-k)² = 4p(x-h).
Focal Length:
Parabola Visualization
Understanding Parabola Focal Length
In geometry, a parabola is a U-shaped curve that is symmetric about a vertical axis. The focal length of a parabola is the distance from the vertex to the focus. The focus is a fixed point on the interior of the parabola, and the directrix is a fixed line on the exterior of the parabola. A parabola is defined as the set of points that are equidistant from both the focus and the directrix.
For a parabola in the standard form (x-h)² = 4p(y-k) or (y-k)² = 4p(x-h), the focal length is given by |p|. Here, (h, k) represents the vertex of the parabola. This calculator helps you find the value of p from the equation you provide and visualizes the parabola along with its focus and vertex.
Use this tool to quickly determine the focal length for various parabolic equations and enhance your understanding of conic sections.