The Importance of Understanding the Basics of a Parabola

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 126 views

Understanding the Basics of a Parabola

A parabola is a quadratic equation in the form of $y = ax^2 + bx + c$ , where $a$ , $b$ , and $c$ are constants. The zeros of a parabola are the points where the graph intersects the x-axis, and the equation of the parabola can be written in factored form as $y = a(x - r_1)(x - r_2)$ , where $r_1$ and $r_2$ are the zeros of the parabola.

Given Information

We are given that the zeros of the parabola are -4 and 2, and the point (6, 10) is on the graph. This means that the equation of the parabola can be written in factored form as $y = a(x + 4)(x - 2)$ .

Substituting the Point (6, 10) into the Equation

To find the value of $a$ , we can substitute the point (6, 10) into the equation of the parabola. This will give us an equation that we can solve for $a$ .

Option A: $10 = a(6-4)(6+2)$

Option A is $10 = a(6-4)(6+2)$ . This equation is not correct because it does not take into account the fact that the point (6, 10) is on the graph. The correct equation should be $10 = a(6+4)(6-2)$ .

Option B: $6 = a(10-4)(10+2)$

Option B is $6 = a(10-4)(10+2)$ . This equation is not correct because it does not take into account the fact that the point (6, 10) is on the graph. The correct equation should be $10 = a(6+4)(6-2)$ .

Option C: $6 = a(6+4)(6-2)$

Option C is $6 = a(6+4)(6-2)$ . This equation is not correct because it does not take into account the fact that the point (6, 10) is on the graph. The correct equation should be $10 = a(6+4)(6-2)$ .

The Correct Equation

The correct equation is $10 = a(6+4)(6-2)$ . This equation can be simplified to $10 = a(10)(4)$ , which can be further simplified to $10 = 40a$ .

Solving for $a$

To solve for $a$ , we can divide both sides of the equation by 40. This gives us $a = \frac{10}{40}$ , which can be simplified to $a = \frac{1}{4}$ .

Conclusion

In conclusion, the correct equation that can be solved to determine the value of $a$ in the equation of the parabola is $10 = a(6+4)(6-2)$ . This equation can be simplified to $10 = 40a$ , and solving for $a$ gives us $a = \frac{1}{4}$ .

The Final Answer

The final answer is $\boxed{\frac{1}{4}}$ .

Understanding the Significance of the Value of $a$

The value of $a$ in the equation of the parabola determines the shape and direction of the graph. A positive value of $a$ will result in a parabola that opens upwards, while a negative value of $a$ will result in a parabola that opens downwards. In this case, the value of $a$ is $\frac{1}{4}$ , which means that the parabola will open upwards.

The Importance of Understanding the Basics of a Parabola

Understanding the basics of a parabola is crucial in mathematics and science. A parabola is a fundamental concept in algebra and geometry, and it has numerous applications in physics, engineering, and other fields. By understanding the equation of a parabola and how to solve for its value, we can gain a deeper understanding of the world around us.

Real-World Applications of Parabolas

Parabolas have numerous real-world applications, including:

Designing Mirrors and Lenses: Parabolas are used in the design of mirrors and lenses to focus light and create images.
Projectile Motion: Parabolas are used to model the trajectory of projectiles, such as balls and rockets.
Optimization Problems: Parabolas are used to solve optimization problems, such as finding the maximum or minimum value of a function.
Computer Graphics: Parabolas are used in computer graphics to create smooth and realistic curves.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the value of $a$ in the equation of the parabola determines the shape and direction of the graph. By understanding the basics of a parabola and how to solve for its value, we can gain a deeper understanding of the world around us. The real-world applications of parabolas are numerous and diverse, and they have a significant impact on our daily lives.

Q: What are the zeros of a parabola?

A: The zeros of a parabola are the points where the graph intersects the x-axis. In other words, they are the values of x that make the equation of the parabola equal to zero.

Q: How do you find the zeros of a parabola?

A: To find the zeros of a parabola, you can set the equation of the parabola equal to zero and solve for x. This will give you the values of x that make the equation equal to zero.

Q: What is the equation of a parabola in factored form?

A: The equation of a parabola in factored form is $y = a(x - r_1)(x - r_2)$ , where $r_1$ and $r_2$ are the zeros of the parabola.

Q: How do you find the value of $a$ in the equation of a parabola?

A: To find the value of $a$ in the equation of a parabola, you can substitute a point on the graph into the equation and solve for $a$ . This will give you the value of $a$ that makes the equation true.

Q: What is the significance of the value of $a$ in the equation of a parabola?

A: The value of $a$ in the equation of a parabola determines the shape and direction of the graph. A positive value of $a$ will result in a parabola that opens upwards, while a negative value of $a$ will result in a parabola that opens downwards.

Q: What are some real-world applications of parabolas?

A: Parabolas have numerous real-world applications, including:

Designing Mirrors and Lenses: Parabolas are used in the design of mirrors and lenses to focus light and create images.
Projectile Motion: Parabolas are used to model the trajectory of projectiles, such as balls and rockets.
Optimization Problems: Parabolas are used to solve optimization problems, such as finding the maximum or minimum value of a function.
Computer Graphics: Parabolas are used in computer graphics to create smooth and realistic curves.

Q: How do you graph a parabola?

A: To graph a parabola, you can use the equation of the parabola and plot points on the graph. You can also use the zeros of the parabola to help you graph the parabola.

Q: What is the vertex of a parabola?

A: The vertex of a parabola is the point on the graph where the parabola changes direction. It is the highest or lowest point on the graph, depending on the direction of the parabola.

Q: How do you find the vertex of a parabola?

A: To find the vertex of a parabola, you can use the equation of the parabola and solve for the x-coordinate of the vertex. You can then substitute this value into the equation to find the y-coordinate of the vertex.

Q: What is the axis of symmetry of a parabola?

A: The axis of symmetry of a parabola is a vertical line that passes through the vertex of the parabola. It is a line of symmetry that divides the parabola into two equal parts.

Q: How do you find the axis of symmetry of a parabola?

A: To find the axis of symmetry of a parabola, you can use the equation of the parabola and solve for the x-coordinate of the vertex. This will give you the equation of the axis of symmetry.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the zeros of a parabola are the points where the graph intersects the x-axis. The equation of a parabola in factored form is $y = a(x - r_1)(x - r_2)$ , where $r_1$ and $r_2$ are the zeros of the parabola. The value of $a$ in the equation of a parabola determines the shape and direction of the graph. Parabolas have numerous real-world applications, including designing mirrors and lenses, modeling projectile motion, solving optimization problems, and creating smooth and realistic curves in computer graphics.