Answer
Check the vertex, focus, directrix, axis of symmetry, opening direction.
Work Step by Step
We are given the equations:
$$\begin{align*}
x^2&=4py\tag1\\
y^2&=4px.\tag2
\end{align*}$$
Both equations are graphically represented by a parabola with vertex $(0,0)$.
The focus of parabola $(1)$ is on the $y$-axis at $(0,p)$, while the focus of parabola $(2)$ is on the $x$-axis at $(p,0)$.
The directrix of parabola $(1)$ is a horizontal line ($y=-p$), while the directrix of parabola $(2)$ is a vertical line ($x=-p$).
The axis of symmetry of parabola $(1)$ is vertical ($x=0$), while the axis of symmetry of parabola $(2)$ is horizontal ($y=0$).
The graph of parabola $(1)$ opens up (for $p>0$) or down (for $p<0$), while the graph of parabola $(2)$ opens left (for $p<0$) or right (for $p>0$).
