Finding the equation of the parabola

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In summary, the equation for the parabola passing through the points A(0,1), B(-1,-2), and C(-2,7) can be found by substituting the points into the equations for the two possible parabolas with vertical and horizontal axes of symmetry. The solutions for both equations are: vertical - y = 6x^2 + 9x + 1 and horizontal - x = -2/27 y^2 + 7/27 y - 5/27. However, it is important to note that there are an infinite number of parabolas that can pass through these points by rotating the axes at any angle.
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Chipset3600
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Hello guys, please help me, knowing that the parabola passes through the points A(0,1), B(-1,-2) e C(-2,7). How can i find the equation?
 
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This question has also been posted on MHF for which responses have been given.

I don't want to see the folks here take the time to post help when it has already been given elsewhere. ;)
 
  • #3
Hello, Chipset3600!

Find the equation of the parabola passing through: A(0,1), B(-1,-2), C(-2,7).

There are two such parabolas: one "vertical" [tex]\cup[/tex], the other "horizontal" [tex]\supset[/tex].Vertical: .[tex]y \:=\:ax^2 + bx + c[/tex]

Substitute the points and create a system of three equations.
The system has the solution: .[tex]a = 6,\:b = 9,\:c = 1[/tex]

The equation is: .[tex]y \;=\;6x^2 + 9x + 1[/tex]Horizontal: .[tex]x \;=\;ay^2 + by + c[/tex]

Substitute the points and create a system of three equations.
The system has the solution: .[tex]a = \text{-}\tfrac{2}{27},\:b = \tfrac{7}{27},\:c = \text{-}\tfrac{5}{27}[/tex]

The equation is: .[tex]x \;=\;\text{-}\tfrac{2}{27}y^2 + \tfrac{7}{27}y - \tfrac{5}{27}[/tex]
 
  • #4
I didn't consider anything but the parabola with vertical axis of symmetry...I suppose we could find an infinite number of parabolas by rotating the axes by any angle we choose. (Cool)
 
  • #5
Thanks guys :)
 

FAQ: Finding the equation of the parabola

What is a parabola?

A parabola is a type of curve that is formed when a straight line intersects with a cone at a specific angle. It is a symmetrical curve that resembles the shape of a smile or frown.

What is the general equation of a parabola?

The general equation of a parabola is y = ax^2 + bx + c, where a represents the curvature of the parabola, b represents the position of the vertex, and c represents the y-intercept.

How do you find the equation of a parabola?

To find the equation of a parabola, you need to know three points on the curve. You can then set up a system of equations using the general equation of a parabola and the coordinates of the three points. Solve the system of equations to find the values of a, b, and c, which can then be substituted into the general equation to get the specific equation of the parabola.

What are the different forms of the equation of a parabola?

There are three main forms of the equation of a parabola: standard form, vertex form, and intercept form. Standard form is y = ax^2 + bx + c, vertex form is y = a(x - h)^2 + k, and intercept form is (x - p)(x - q) = 0, where (h, k) is the coordinates of the vertex and p and q are the x-intercepts of the parabola.

How is the equation of a parabola used in real life?

The equation of a parabola is used in many fields of science, engineering, and mathematics. In physics, it is used to model the motion of objects under the influence of gravity. In engineering, it is used to design bridges, arches, and other structures that can support weight and distribute forces evenly. In math, it is used to solve optimization problems and find the maximum or minimum value of a quadratic function.

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