A parabola is a U-shaped curve that can be found in mathematics, particularly in the study of quadratic equations. It is defined as the set of all points that are equidistant from a fixed point called the focus and a fixed line known as the directrix. Parabolas can open upwards or downwards, depending on the equation that describes them. In real life, parabolas appear in various places, such as the shape of a satellite dish or the trajectory of a thrown ball. The properties of parabolas make them useful in physics and engineering, especially in designing reflective surfaces that focus light or sound.