Final answer:
To find the equation of a parabola passing through given points, substitute the coordinates into the standard form and solve for the constants a, b, and c.
Step-by-step explanation:
The equation of a parabola in standard form is y = ax² + bx + c. To find the equation that passes through the given points, we substitute the coordinates (1, -2), (3, 14), and (5, 38) into the equation and solve for a, b, and c.
- For the point (1, -2): -2 = a(1²) + b(1) + c
- For the point (3, 14): 14 = a(3²) + b(3) + c
- For the point (5, 38): 38 = a(5²) + b(5) + c
Solving this system of equations will give us the values of a, b, and c, which we can then use to write the equation of the parabola in standard form.