What is the equation of the quadratic graph with a focus of (5, −1) and a directrix of y = 1?

The answer is directrix is horizontal, so the parabola is vertical 
focus lies below the directrix, so the parabola opens downwards. 

General equation for down-opening parabola: 
 y = a(x-h)²+k 
with 
 a<0 
 vertex (h,k) 
 focal length p = 1/|4a| 
 focus (h,k-p) 
 directrix (h,k+p) 

Apply your data and solve for h, k, and a. 
vertex is halfway between focus and directrix: (3,3) 
h = 3 
k = 3 

distance between focus and vertex is 2, so p = 2. 
a = -1/(4p) = -⅛ 

y = -⅛(x-3)²+3 

Think of it as five or above give it a shove. change the 5 or above to the right to a zero and add one to the number on the left.