How do you find the equation of a parabola if you are given it's vertex and 1 point?

For
example, find the quadratic equation of a parabola that has a vertex of (-2,-2) and goes
through the point (-1,0)


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Oct24-05, 01:33
AM
#2
stalefish

General quadratic equation: y=ax^2 + bx + c

Derivative: y' = 2ax + b

At the vertex, the derivate equals to zero. Use this fact
and simultaneous equations to arrive at the equation.


Oct24-05, 07:26
AM
#3
HallsofIvy

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More simply, since you are given the vertex of the parabola, you can
write the equation y= a(x-x
0
)
2
+ y
0
where x
0
and y
0
are the coordinates of
the vertex. Choose a to force the parabola to go through the second
point.

y= a(x-(-2))
2
- 2= a(x+2)
2
- 2. Setting x= -1, y= 0,
0= a(-1+2)
2
-2= a- 2 so a= 2.

By the way, this is assuming the parabola has a vertical line of symmetry.
Otherwise there are an infinite number of parabolas satisfying these
conditions.


Oct24-05, 11:40
PM
#4
ivybond

Quote by HallsofIvy
... assuming the parabola has a vertical line of symmetry...
Graph first, and you may find a shortcut for a given specific data.
If a point on a parabola is 1 to the right and 2 up from its vertex, it must
be parabola
y=2x2

shifted horizontally and vertically, so its vertex (0,0) moves into (-2,-2),
i.e. 2 to the left and 2 down:
y=2(x+2)22