Conic Sections & Parabolas Parabola y = a(x - h)² + k → vertex (h,k), axis x = h a > 0: opens up, a < 0: opens down Focus and directrix rarely tested but good to know Ellipse (x-h)²/a² + (y-k)²/b² = 1 Center (h,k), semi-axes a and b Hyperbola (x-h)²/a² - (y-k)²/b² = 1 ACT Tips Know how to identify each conic from its equation Completing the square to convert to standard form The ACT focuses most on parabolas and circles