Math Problem Statement

write an equation of the parabola shown. answer using this exact sentence, "An equation of the parabola is _________". Briefly explain how you got that answer

Solution

To write the equation of the parabola shown in the image, let's analyze the details:

  • Vertex: The vertex of the parabola is at the point (0,2)(0, 2).
  • Focus: The focus of the parabola is at the point (0,3)(0, 3).

Since the parabola opens upwards and its vertex form equation is y=a(xh)2+ky = a(x-h)^2 + k, where (h,k)(h, k) is the vertex, the equation can be determined by the distance between the vertex and the focus.

The distance between the vertex and the focus is 1 unit (from y=2y = 2 to y=3y = 3). This distance is equal to 14a\frac{1}{4a}, so a=14×1=14a = \frac{1}{4 \times 1} = \frac{1}{4}.

Now, substituting the values into the vertex form equation:

y=14(x0)2+2y = \frac{1}{4}(x - 0)^2 + 2

Simplifying this:

y=14x2+2y = \frac{1}{4}x^2 + 2

Thus, the sentence should read:

"An equation of the parabola is y=14x2+2y = \frac{1}{4}x^2 + 2."

Brief Explanation:

The equation was derived using the vertex form y=a(xh)2+ky = a(x-h)^2 + k, where (h,k)(h, k) is the vertex (0,2)(0, 2). The value of aa was determined by the distance between the vertex and the focus, which is 14\frac{1}{4}, given the focus is 1 unit above the vertex.

Would you like any more details or have any questions?

Here are some related questions:

  1. How do you find the value of aa in a parabola?
  2. What is the significance of the focus in a parabola?
  3. How does the direction a parabola opens affect its equation?
  4. How can you find the equation of a parabola if given the directrix instead of the focus?
  5. What role does the vertex play in the equation of a parabola?

Tip: When writing the equation of a parabola, always ensure you correctly identify the vertex and the direction in which the parabola opens.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Parabolas
Vertex form of a parabola
Distance formula

Formulas

Vertex form of a parabola: y = a(x-h)^2 + k
Distance formula between points

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

High School