Write the parabola in standard form
If the parabola opens up or down: ((x-h)^2 = 4p(y-k))
If the parabola opens right or left: ((y-k)^2 = 4p(x-h))
Identify ((h,k)) as the vertex
Find (p) from the coefficient of the squared term
For ((x-h)^2 = 4p(y-k)), the focus is ((h, k+p))
For ((x-h)^2 = 4p(y-k)), the directrix is (y = k-p)
For ((y-k)^2 = 4p(x-h)), the focus is ((h+p, k))
For ((y-k)^2 = 4p(x-h)), the directrix is (x = h-p)
If the parabola is in general form, complete the square first
Use the completed-square form to identify (h), (k), and (p)
Substitute the values into the focus and directrix formulas