Just as a quadratic equation can map a parabola, the parabola's points can help write a corresponding quadratic equation. Parabolas have two equation forms – standard and vertex. In the vertex form,
the variables h and k are the coordinates of the parabola's vertex. In the standard form
a parabolic equation resembles a classic quadratic equation. With just two of the parabola's points, its vertex and one other, you can find a parabolic equation's vertex and standard forms and write the parabola algebraically.
Set either form to zero and solve the equation to find the points where the parabola crosses the x-axis.
Substitute the vertex's coordinates for h and k in the vertex form. For an example, let the vertex be (2, 3). Substituting 2 for h and 3 for k into
results in
Substitute the point's coordinates for x and y in the equation. In this example, let the point be (3, 8). Substituting 3 for x and 8 for y in
results in
which is 8 = a + 3.
Solve the equation for a. In this example, solving for a results in
which becomes a = 5.
Substitute the value of a into the equation from Step 1. In this example, substituting a into
results in
Square the expression inside the parentheses, multiply the terms by a's value and combine like terms to convert the equation to standard form. Concluding this example, squaring (x - 2) results in
which multiplied by 5 results in
The equation now reads as
which becomes
after combining like terms.
Tips
References
Tips
- Set either form to zero and solve the equation to find the points where the parabola crosses the x-axis.
About the Author
Chance E. Gartneer began writing professionally in 2008 working in conjunction with FEMA. He has the unofficial record for the most undergraduate hours at the University of Texas at Austin. When not working on his children's book masterpiece, he writes educational pieces focusing on early mathematics and ESL topics.