Consider the parabola x2 = 4py.
(a) Use a graphing utility to graph the parabola for p = 1, p = 2, p = 3, and p = 4. Describe the effect on the graph when p increases.
(b) Locate the focus for each parabola in part (a).
(c) For each parabola in part (a), find the length of the chord passing through the focus and parallel to the directrix. How can you determine the length of this chord directly from the standard form of the equation of the parabola?
(d) Explain how the result of part (c) can be used as an aid when sketching parabolas.