SOLUTION: I am very interested in how one would derive a quadratic equation from a physical parabola. I have one that measures 3.5" from vertex to "mouth" and 4.5" across the "mouth." I plot

Question 166325: I am very interested in how one would derive a quadratic equation from a physical parabola. I have one that measures 3.5" from vertex to "mouth" and 4.5" across the "mouth." I plotted it on a graph with a y intercept of 3.5 and x intercepts of 2.25, -2.25. I played with your quadratic solver and a graphing calculator and the closest I was able to come to was . How could I solve this without using the aforementioned tools?
Thank you
Answer by Fombitz(32388) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Center your parabola at (0,0).
Then the general equation of the parabola becomes

From your measurement, at x=2.25, y=3.5,

a is the same, the other constant just scales the graph with regards to the origin.

RELATED QUESTIONS
Hi, I am really having a hard time analyzing this one, I hope someone could help me on... (answered by Earlsdon,venugopalramana)

Sir, i have a query about the representation of a quadratic equation of the form y^2=4ax, (answered by Alan3354)

Hello, I am hoping you can help with the following homework problem: *A study... (answered by stanbon)

Hello, I would like to find help in HOW to solve a quadratic equation such as the one... (answered by josgarithmetic,ikleyn)

Once again, I am in need of your help. I am stuck on a quadratic equation that I have to... (answered by vleith)

Once again, I am in need of your help. I am stuck on a quadratic equation that I have to... (answered by Earlsdon)

The dimensions of the facade of the house, should be 7m wide and 4 ms high, it should be... (answered by MathLover1)

Explain how the quadratic formula can be used to factor a quadratic polynomial into two... (answered by jim_thompson5910)

I am very confused on how to interpret the equation I figured out (48/n+3)(n-2), I have (answered by Alan3354)