Question

a general formula for a parabola is $x^2 = 4py$. what is the value of $p$ in the equation $x^2 = 12y$? $\bigcirc$ $p = 3$ $\bigcirc$ $p = 4$ $\bigcirc$ $p = 6$ $\bigcirc$ $p = 12$

Explanation:

Step1: Compare the two equations

We have the general formula \(x^{2} = 4py\) and the given equation \(x^{2}=12y\). We can see that \(4p\) in the general formula should be equal to \(12\) in the given equation. So we set up the equation \(4p = 12\).

Step2: Solve for \(p\)

To find \(p\), we divide both sides of the equation \(4p=12\) by \(4\). So \(p=\frac{12}{4}\).
Calculating \(\frac{12}{4}\) gives \(p = 3\).

Answer:

A. \(p = 3\)