A parabola can be defined as the set of all points in the plane equidistant from a given point (called the focus) and a given line (called the directrix). In this investigation you will be asked to examine a parabola constructed using this definition.
Click HERE to examine a parabola constructed in Geometer's Sketch Pad using the above definition.
Explain how the parabola is formed.
Develop a set of instructions from which a point on a parabola could be constructed using a ruler and compass.
What is the vertex of this parabola?
What is the relationship between the vertex, focus and the directrix?