Question 1174136
Given the vertex is (7, 0) the equation is f(x)=a(x-7)^2+0
f(5)=4=a(-2)^2+0 and a=1 as you found.
The vertex is symmetrical around the line x=7, so (5, 4) and (9, 4) are points, so you wouldn't make the putt.  What you want to know is given the equation, does (9 ,8) lie on the line?  It doesn't.
also f(9)=2^2+0 so (9, 4) would be the ball's position.


{{{graph(300,300,-10,12,-10,10,4,(x-7)^2)}}}