If the coefficient is positive, it opens upward; if negative, the parabola opens downward. In the context of conic sections, the focus is a fixed point through which all light rays parallel to the ...

The symmetry of the parabola is created because each x value ... by the bowl and reflected from its steel surface into the focus box mounted on top of the central tower.

Schematic diagram of a parabolic reflector. Incoming sound is directed to the microphone placed at the focus of the parabola-shaped reflector. The property of the parabolic shape to reflect all sound ...