Some other standard forms of parabola

y² = -4ax

x² = 4ay

In this case, the vertex is at the origin and the axis coincides with y-axis.
Focus is at F(0,a) and the equation of the directrix d: y = -a.
The parabola opens upward

x² = -4ay

Equation of parabola in its standard form

y² = 4ax

For this equation focus is at F(a,0) and the equation of the directrix is d: x=-a. It vertex is at (0,0).

If a is positive it open to the right.

Length of the latus rectum = |4p|

Equation of a parabola in parametric form

x = at²
y = 2at

It satisfies y² = 4ax
y² = 4a²t²
4ax = 4a²t²

Equation of the chord joining any two points on the parabola

From the straight line chapter we know: "The equation of a line having slope m and passing through (x1,y1) is

(y-y1) = m(x-x1)"

slope between (x1,y1) and (x2,y2) = (y2-y1)/(x2-x1)

Two points on parabola are A(at1²,2at1) and B(at2²,2at2)

So the equation joining these two points is

(y-2at1) = [(2at2-2at1)/(at2²-at1²)]*(x-at1²)
=> y - 2at1 = [2/(t2+ta)]*(x-at1²)
=> y(t1+t2) = 2x+2at1t2