10.3 The Parabola

Compare $y^2 = 8x$ with standard form $y^2 = 4ax$. $4a = 8 \implies a = 2$.

1. Focus: $(a, 0) = (2, 0)$.
2. Axis: x-axis ($y=0$).
3. Directrix: $x = -a \implies x = -2$.
4. Latus Rectum: Length $= 4a = 8$.