SOLUTION: find an equation of the parabola which passes through the points (1,3) and (-2, 0)

Question 877615: find an equation of the parabola which passes through the points (1,3) and (-2, 0)
Found 2 solutions by jim_thompson5910, josgarithmetic:
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Unfortunately there isn't enough info since you need at least 3 points to define a parabola.
Answer by josgarithmetic(39618) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Two points do not define a parabola. Are you hoping for any parabola which will fit? Infinite parabolas may hold any two given points. One of your given points shows a "root", so you could begin by saying, . You have one more given point which you can use by saying, , assuming the leading coefficient on x^2 is 1.

Now, with the coordinate values substituted, solve for r.

.

Your possible parabola as an equation can be .
You can have any nonzero value for a for the parabola and this will also work with the two given points.
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