Final answer:
The vertex of the parabolic path of the ball described by the equation y = -0.02(x - 18)^2 + 12 is (18, 12).
Step-by-step explanation:
The equation describing the path of the ball is y = -0.02(x - 18)^2 + 12. This equation is in the form y = ax + bx^2, which represents a parabola.
The vertex of the parabolic path can be found by identifying the values of x and y that minimize or maximize the equation.
In this case, the vertex occurs when x = 18. Plugging this value into the equation, we can find the corresponding y value: y = -0.02(18 - 18)^2 + 12 = 12.
Therefore, the vertex of the parabolic path of the ball is (18, 12). Option a) (18, 12) is the correct answer.