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Are the directrix and focus different distances from a given point on a parabola?
One definition of a parabola is the set of points that are equidistant from a given line called the directrix and a given point called the focus. So, no. The distances are not different, they are the same. The distance between the directrix and a given point on the parabola will always be the same as the distance between that same point on the parabola and the focus. Any point where those two distances are equal would be on the parabola somewhere and all the points where those two distances are different would not be on the parabola. Note that the distance from a point to the directrix is definied as the perpendicular distance (also known as the minimum distance).
The directrix and focus are the same distance from a given point on the parabola?
true
Which best describes a parabola?
Given a straight line (a directrix) and a point (the focus) which is not on that line, a parabola is locus of all points whose distance form the directrix is the same as its distance from the focus.
The directrix and focus are different distances from a given point on the parabola?
false
What is the midpoint of the parabola between the focus and the directrix?
It is the apex of the parabola.
