Question 524747:  each point lies on a parabola that has its vertex at (0,1)  write the equation of the parabola.  Indicate whether the graph opens up or down. (-1,6) 
 Answer by solver91311(24713)      (Show Source): 
You can  put this solution on YOUR website! 
 
 
Since the vertex is on the  -axis, symmetry says that if   is on the parabola,   is on the parabola.  Now that we have three points on the parabola we can write the equation.
 
 
All parabolas with a vertical axis of symmetry can be described by a function of the form:
 
 
 
 
 
So, if the point   is on the parabola, then
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Then, if the point   is on the parabola, then
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Then, if the point   is on the parabola, then
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Substituting the known value of   we are left with a 2X2 system:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
And then substituting the now known coefficients into the function definition:
 
 
 
 
 
Since the lead coefficient is positive, the parabola opens upward.
 
 
 
 
 
John 
  
My calculator said it, I believe it, that settles it 
 
 
  | 
 
  
 
 |   
 
 |