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Find an equation for a parabola that has zeros at x = 4 and x = -8 and passes through

the point (2, 10

Find an equation for a parabola that has zeros at x = 4 and x = -8 and passes through-example-1
User Taudep
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1 Answer

5 votes

Our factored equation is going to be something like:

y = a (x-4)(x+8)

So now we have to solve for a. Just plug in the point (2,10)

y = a (x-4)(x+8)

10 = a(2-4)(2+8)

10 = a(-2)(10)

10 = -20a

10/-20 = a

-1/2 = a

So the equation is y=-1/2(x-4)(x+8)


a) factored form: y=-1/2(x-4)(x+8)

b) standard form: -1/2*x^2-2x+16

c) vertex form: y=-1/2*(x+2)^2+18

If you graph all 3, it should be the same line

y=-1/2*x^2+-2*x+16

y=-1/2*(x^2+4*x+-32) ( Factor out )

y=-1/2*(x^2+4*x+(2)^2+-1*(2)^2+-32) ( Complete the square )

y=-1/2*((x+2)^2+-1*(2)^2+-32) ( Use the binomial formula )

y=-1/2*((x+2)^2+-36) ( simplify )

y=-1/2*(x+2)^2+18

User Pragash
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