Chapter 7: Problem 67
Find the equation of the parabola (with vertical axis that passes through the data points shown or specified. Check your answer. $$(1.5,6.25),(0,-2),(-1.5,3.25)$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The equation of the parabola is \(y = 3x^2 + x - 2\).
Step by step solution
01
General Form of a Parabola
The equation of a parabola with a vertical axis is typically given by \(y = ax^2 + bx + c\). We will use this form to find constants \(a\), \(b\), and \(c\) that describe the parabola passing through the given points.
02
Plug in the First Point
Substitute \((x, y) = (1.5, 6.25)\) into the equation: \[6.25 = a(1.5)^2 + b(1.5) + c\] which simplifies to: \[6.25 = 2.25a + 1.5b + c\].
03
Plug in the Second Point
Substitute \((x, y) = (0, -2)\) into the equation: \[-2 = a(0)^2 + b(0) + c\] which simplifies to: \[-2 = c\].
04
Plug in the Third Point
Substitute \((x, y) = (-1.5, 3.25)\) into the equation: \[3.25 = a(-1.5)^2 + b(-1.5) + c\] which simplifies to: \[3.25 = 2.25a - 1.5b + c\].
05
Solve for 'a' and 'b' using First and Third Points
With \(c = -2\), substitute into equations obtained from steps 2 and 4: \[6.25 = 2.25a + 1.5b - 2\]\[3.25 = 2.25a - 1.5b - 2\]Simplify both to get:\[8.25 = 2.25a + 1.5b\]\[5.25 = 2.25a - 1.5b\].
06
Eliminate 'a' by Adding Equations
Add the simplified equations from Step 5:\[8.25 + 5.25 = (2.25a + 1.5b) + (2.25a - 1.5b)\]\[13.5 = 4.5a\]\[a = 3\].
07
Substitute to Find 'b'
Now substitute \(a = 3\) back into one of the equations:\[8.25 = 2.25(3) + 1.5b\]\[8.25 = 6.75 + 1.5b\]\[1.5 = 1.5b\]\[b = 1\].
08
Write the Final Equation
We have found \(a = 3\), \(b = 1\), and \(c = -2\). Thus, the equation of the parabola is:\[y = 3x^2 + x - 2\].
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Vertical axis
When we talk about a parabola with a vertical axis, it means the parabola opens either upwards or downwards. In mathematical terms, a parabola with a vertical axis can be represented by the equation: \[ y = ax^2 + bx + c \] Here, the vertical axis refers to the "y" direction, which indicates how the parabola stretches or compresses along the "y" axis.
- The coefficient \( a \) determines the direction of the opening. If \( a > 0 \), it opens upwards; if \( a < 0 \), it opens downwards.
- The vertex lies on the vertical line called the axis of symmetry, which is found using \( x = -\frac{b}{2a} \).
Solving systems of equations
A system of equations is a set of multiple equations that you solve simultaneously. In problems involving parabolas, solving these systems helps determine specific values for variables that describe the shape and position of a parabola. Consider this scenario when solving systems of equations with \(a\), \(b\), and \(c\) to form a parabola:
- Start by writing equations from the given points by substituting them into the parabola equation.
- Simplify the system of linear equations generated from each point.
- Use algebraic methods to simultaneously solve for unknown parameters.
Substitution Method
The substitution method is often used to solve systems of equations, especially when a direct value is already known for one variable. In our example, after writing the equations from point substitutions, we quickly identified that \( c = -2 \) by plugging in the point \((0, -2)\) into the parabola equation. Here's how it works:
- Solve one of the equations for one variable when its value is readily apparent. Here, we found \(c\) using the point where \(x = 0\).
- Substitute this value into the other equations. This reduces the number of unknowns and simplifies the problem.
- Continue this process until all variables are solved.
Quadratic Function
A quadratic function is defined as a second-degree polynomial function of the form \( y = ax^2 + bx + c \), where \( a eq 0 \). The graph of a quadratic function is a parabola. Understanding the characteristics of quadratic functions is crucial for analyzing their graphs and properties. Some key features of a quadratic function include:
- The parabola can open upwards or downwards depending on the sign of the coefficient \( a \).
- The vertex provides the highest or lowest point on the graph, depending on the parabola's orientation.
- The quadratic formula or factoring can be used to find the roots or x-intercepts: \( x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a} \).