Q. What is the focus of the parabola y=−x2? Simplify any fractions.
Identify 'a' value: We are given the equation of the parabola: y=−x2. To find the focus, we need to identify the value of 'a' in the standard form of a parabola y=ax2. Here, a=−1.
Standard form of parabola: The standard form of a parabola with its vertex at the origin (0,0) and axis of symmetry along the y-axis is y=ax2. The focus of such a parabola is given by the point (0,4a1).
Substitute 'a' value: Substitute a=−1 into the formula for the focus (0,4a1).Focus of the parabola: (0,4×(−1)1).
Calculate focus: Calculate the value of 4×(–1)1.Focus of the parabola: (0,–41).
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