Problema Solution

Find the formula for the parabola whose x-intercepts are at x=-3 and x=5 and the point (-5,60) is on the function's graph.

Answer provided by our tutors

We are given 3 points of the parabola:

(-3, 0), (5, 0) and (-5, 60)

The "general" form of a parabola's equation is:

y = ax^2 + bx + c, where a, b and c are constants

Plug the values that we have, (-3, 0), (5, 0) and (-5, 60, into the general equation:

a(-3)^2 + (-3)b + c = 0

a5^2 + 5b + c = 0

a(-5)^2 + (-5)b + c = 60

........

click here to see the system of equations solved for a, b and c

........

a = 3

b = -6

c = -45

The formula of the parabola is:

y = 3x^2 - 6x - 45