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Write the equation of the parabola that passes through the points (4,0)(-4,0), (2,0)(-2,0), and (1,18)(-1,-18). Write your answer in the form y=a(xp)(xq)y=a(x-p)(x-q), where aa, pp, and qq are integers, decimals, or simplified fractions.

Full solution

Q. Write the equation of the parabola that passes through the points (4,0)(-4,0), (2,0)(-2,0), and (1,18)(-1,-18). Write your answer in the form y=a(xp)(xq)y=a(x-p)(x-q), where aa, pp, and qq are integers, decimals, or simplified fractions.
  1. Identify x-intercepts: Identify the x-intercepts from the given points (4,0)(-4,0) and (2,0)(-2,0). These points indicate where the parabola crosses the x-axis, so p=4p = -4 and q=2q = -2.
  2. Formulate parabola equation: Formulate the equation of the parabola using the standard form y=a(xp)(xq)y = a(x - p)(x - q). Substituting pp and qq, we get y=a(x+4)(x+2)y = a(x + 4)(x + 2).
  3. Find value of aa: Use the third point (1,18)(-1, -18) to find the value of aa. Substitute x=1x = -1 and y=18y = -18 into the equation: 18=a(1+4)(1+2)-18 = a(-1 + 4)(-1 + 2).
  4. Solve for a: Simplify and solve for a: 18=a(3)(1)-18 = a(3)(1), 18=3a-18 = 3a, a=18/3a = -18 / 3, a=6a = -6.
  5. Write final equation: Write the final equation of the parabola substituting a=6a = -6 into y=a(x+4)(x+2)y = a(x + 4)(x + 2). The equation becomes y=6(x+4)(x+2)y = -6(x + 4)(x + 2).

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