How to find the equation of a parabola and graphing it?

by Rick H

Find the equation of the parabola:

Before getting started with the algebra the problem provides the following information.

Focus: (-4,0)

Vertex: (0,0)

Now let's obtain the equation of the parabola.

Now plotting the points on the graph

Vertex: (0,0)

Point: (-4,-8)

Point: (-4,8)

Graph the equation of the parabola: