Question

What do the variables in parabola equations represent?

Answer 1

Please see below.

Explanation:

General equation of parabola is of the form `y=a(x-h)^2+k` or `x=a(y-k)^2+h`. Former is known as verticle parabola and latter is known as horizontal parabola.

In both cases vertex is `(h,k)`,

axis of symmetery is `x-h=0` in former case and `y-k=0` in latter case.

Focii are `(h,k+1/(4a))` in former case and `(h+1/(4a),k)` in latter case.

Directrix is `y=k-1/(4a)` in former case and `x=h-1/(4a)` in latter case.