216k views
5 votes
A student draws two parabolas both parabolas cross the x axis at (-4,0) and (6,0) the y intercept of the first parabolas is (0,-12). The y intercept of the second parabola is (0,-24) what is the positive difference between the a values for the two functions that describe the parabolas

2 Answers

2 votes

0.5

Explanation:

User Rom Shiri
by
8.4k points
2 votes

Answer:

The positive difference between the a values is 0.5

Explanation:

we know that

Both parabolas cross the x axis at (-4,0) and (6,0)

so

The general equation is


y=a(x+4)(x-6)

Find the value of a in the first parabola

The y-intercept is (0,-12)

so

For
x=0, y=-12

substitute


y=a(x+4)(x-6)


-12=a(0+4)(0-6)


-12=a(-24)


a=0.5

Find the value of a in the second parabola

The y-intercept is (0,-24)

so

For
x=0, y=-24

substitute


y=a(x+4)(x-6)


-24=a(0+4)(0-6)


-24=a(-24)


a=1

Find the positive difference between the a values for the two functions

so


1-0.5=0.5

User Marin Leontenko
by
8.2k points