Graphing Horizontal Parabolas

In this lesson, we will learn how to graph a horizontal parabola, which is also known as a sideways parabola. These parabolas are of the form: x = a(y - k)² + h or x = ay² + by + c. We approach graphing a horizontal parabola in the same way that we graph a vertical parabola. First, we place our equation in vertex form. Once this is done, we can plot the vertex and use the step pattern to find additional points. We will then reflect across the line y = k to find points on the other side of our parabola. Lastly, we will sketch our graph by drawing a smooth curve through the points.