SOLUTION: The suspension cable that supports a small footbridge hangs in the shape of a parabola. The height h, in feet, of the cable above the bridge is given by the function h(x) = 0.25x^2

Algebra ->  Equations -> SOLUTION: The suspension cable that supports a small footbridge hangs in the shape of a parabola. The height h, in feet, of the cable above the bridge is given by the function h(x) = 0.25x^2      Log On


   

Question 1058955: The suspension cable that supports a small footbridge hangs in the shape of a parabola. The height h, in feet, of the cable above the bridge is given by the function h(x) = 0.25x^2 – 0.9x + 25, where x is the distance in feet from one end of the bridge. What is the minimum height of the cable above the bridge? (Round your answer to two decimal places.)
Answer by ikleyn(53965) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
.
The suspension cable that supports a small footbridge hangs in the shape of a parabola.
The height h, in feet, of the cable above the bridge is given by the function h(x) = 0.25x^2 – 0.9x + 25,
where x is the distance in feet from one end of the bridge.
What is the minimum height of the cable above the bridge? (Round your answer to two decimal places.)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

They want you find the minimum of the quadratic function

h(x) = 0.25x^2 – 0.9x + 25

The general theory says that the parabola y(x) = ax^2 + bx + c  has the minimum at  x = -b%2F2a,

which is in your case -%28-0.9%29%2F%282%2A0.25%29 = 0.9%2F0.5 = 1.8 ft.


Do you know what?

I think that the problem gives me absolutely irrelevant data.

1.8 ft for the bridge?

I'd better will not solve this problem further.

I'd better will stop at this point.

Who is that person who invented this condition?