Question

Find the equation of the parabola, which is symmetric about the y-axis and passes through the point P(2, -3).

Answer 1

The equation of a parabola with vertex at the origin and symmetric about the y-axis: x² = 4ay

As we are given, parabola is passing through the point P(2, -3).

Putting x = 2 and y = -3 in x² = 4ay

=> 4 = -12a

=> a = -1/3

Therefore, equation of parabola:

x² = 4(-1/3)y = -4/3 y

or 3x² = -4y