213k views
2 votes
Vertex form is f(x)=a(x-p)^2 +q. How do i determine a?

Vertex form is f(x)=a(x-p)^2 +q. How do i determine a?-example-1
User Phil Kang
by
8.5k points

1 Answer

3 votes
y1 is the simplest parabola. Its vertex is at (0,0) and it passes thru (2,4). This is enough info to conclude that y1 = x^2.

y4, the lower red graph, is a bit more of a challenge. We can easily identify its vertex, which is (-4,0), and several points on the grah, such as (2,-3).

Let's try this: assume that the general equation for a parabola is
y-k = a(x-h)^2, where (h,k) is the vertex. Subst. the known values,

-3-(-4) = a(2-0)^2. Then 1 = a(2)^2, or 1 = 4a, or a = 1/4.

The equation of parabola y4 is y+4 = (1/4)x^2

Or you could elim. the fraction and write the eqn as 4y+16=x^2, or

4y = x^2-16, or y = (1/4)x - 4. Take your pick! Hope this helps you find "a" for the other parabolas.


User Erik Hoeven
by
8.9k points

No related questions found

Welcome to QAmmunity.org, where you can ask questions and receive answers from other members of our community.

9.4m questions

12.2m answers

Categories