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Write an equation for a parabola with x-intercept (-2,0)and(5,0)which pae through the point (3,-40)

User Nkechi
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1 Answer

19 votes
19 votes

Explanation:

for that we best use the intercept form of a parabola equation :

y = a(x - p)(x - q)

p and q are the zeroes (x-intercepts) of the parabola.

a is the stretching factor (how wide or how narrow is the curve, and a positive "a" says it is opening upwards, a negative "a" says it is opening downwards).

so, our equation looks like

y = a(x - -2)(x - 5) = a(x + 2)(x - 5)

to get a we use the coordinates of the given point :

-40 = a(3 + 2)(3 - 5) = a×5×-2 = -10a

a = -40/-10 = 4

the equation is then

y = 4(x + 2)(x - 5) = 4(x² -5x + 2x - 10) =

= 4(x² - 3x - 10) = 4x² -12x - 40

User Lei Li
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