Finding a parabolic equation with unknown variabilic constants?

  • Thread starter AtlasSniperma
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Constants
In summary, the individual is seeking assistance in converting three points (0,S), (T,100), and (T+100,100) into a parabolic equation with two constants S and T. They are given a hint that the parabola is symmetric about the line x=T+50 and that the vertex is at -b/2a=150. However, they are having trouble making the equation parabolic and are unable to find a solution even with additional hints.
  • #1
AtlasSniperma
22
0
Hey folks,
Bit of a complex question here, but I'm hoping someone smarter than myself can help me figure this out. I want to make a parabolic curve that is controlled by 2 constants S and T. I know that in y = Ax2 + Bx + C
C = S
as one of the points I can give from the if statements I'm working from gives the point (0,S)

the other 2 point however make it difficult for me to convert 3 points to the equation as, well, you'll see:

(T,100)
(T+100,100)

Can someone please help explain to me how to make these three points
(0,S) (T,100) (T+100,100)
into a parabolic equation without assuming a set value for either S or T
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Just a quick hint: the points (T,100) and (T+100,100) tell you that the parabola is symmetric about the line x=T+50, and so your equation has the form [itex]y=c+a(x-(T+50-b))(x+(T+50+b))[/itex] for some real numbers a, b and c.

Edit: Here's maybe a better hint: the x-coordinate of the vertex of a parabola is at [itex]-b/2a[/itex], so that tells you, in this case, that [itex]-b/2a=150[/itex], and since you've already got c nailed down, you're just one equation away from specifying a unique parabola.
 
Last edited:
  • #3
Thank you for your help. even with your "better hint"(a=1 b=-300) I can't figure out how to make it parabolic, no matter what I do its a linear line. I can give you 3 example C|T's so you can tell what I mean, but I can't figure out how to get it to go through the 3 points (point 4 it must satisfy is (2T+100, S))
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
519
Replies
20
Views
919
Replies
2
Views
697
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Back
Top