-4.3.1 find quadratic eq given 3 pts

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Discussion Overview

The discussion focuses on finding a quadratic equation given three points: (-3,0), (3,0), and (0,-4). Participants explore various methods to derive the equation, including substitution into the general form of a quadratic and using factored forms.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests starting with the factored form y=k(x-3)(x+3) and questions how to determine the value of k.
  • Another participant proposes using the general form y=ax^2+bx+c and substituting the points to create a system of equations to solve for a, b, and c.
  • A third participant reiterates the factored form and calculates k by substituting x=0 to find that k=4/9, leading to the equation y=(4/9)(x-3)(x+3).
  • Some participants introduce the Lagrange Interpolation Polynomial as an alternative method to derive the quadratic equation, leading to the same result of y=(4/9)(x+3)(x-3).
  • One participant expresses unfamiliarity with the Lagrange Interpolation Polynomial but shows interest in learning more about it.
  • A later post includes a plot of the quadratic equation, demonstrating its graphical representation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple methods to find the quadratic equation, with no consensus on a single approach. Various techniques are discussed, and while some participants arrive at the same equation, the methods to reach it differ.

Contextual Notes

Some methods rely on specific mathematical techniques that may not be universally known among all participants, such as the Lagrange Interpolation Polynomial. There are also dependencies on the definitions of variables and assumptions made during calculations.

karush
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how do you find the quadratic equation given (-3,0) (3,0) and (0,-4)

thus y=k(x-3)(x+3) for the zero's but how do you find k or any other better method of finding the equation

thanks much(Cool)
 
Last edited:
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This can be done by looking at the general form of a quadratic equation: [math]y=ax^2+bx+c[/math]. We need to solve for a,b and c in order to write our equation and we have three points so we can do this through substitution. First use (0,-4) for (x,y) and you get [math]-4=a(0)^2+b(0)+c[/math] which means that c=-4. Now use the other two points the same way and you will have to solve a two variable system of equations for a and b. Once you have a,b and c you have your answer.
 
karush said:
how do you find the quadratic equation given (-3,0) (3,0) and (0,-4)

thus y=k(x-3)(x+3) for the zero's but how do you find k or any other better method of finding the equation
Starting from y=k(x-3)(x+3) (which gives the value 0 when x = 3 or –3), all you need to do is to put x=0 to see that y = –9k when x=0. But you want y to be –4 when x=0. Therefore –9k = –4. So k = 4/9, and $y = \frac49(x-3)(x+3).$
 
karush said:
how do you find the quadratic equation given (-3,0) (3,0) and (0,-4)

Another way (if you have covered the Lagrange Interpolation Polynomial):

$y=0L_1+0L_2-4L_3=-4\dfrac{(x+3)(x-3)}{(0+3)(0-3)}=\dfrac{4}{9}(x+3)(x-3)$
 
Fernando Revilla said:
Another way (if you have covered the Lagrange Interpolation Polynomial):

$y=0L_1+0L_2-4L_3=-4\dfrac{(x+3)(x-3)}{(0+3)(0-3)}=\dfrac{4}{9}(x+3)(x-3)$

no have not heard of it. looks valuable tho so will look it up thanks
 
$y = \dfrac{4}{9}(x-3)(x+3)$

ok I can't seem to write tikx to plot this

$\begin{tikzpicture}[scale=0.50]
%preamble \usepackage{pgfplots}
\begin{axis}[xmin=-3.5, xmax=3.5, ymin=-5, ymax=5, axis lines=middle, ticks=none]
\addplot[
draw = black, smooth, ultra thick,
domain=-4:4,
] {exp((4/9)*(x^2-9)}
foreach \x in {-3,3} { (axis cs:{\x},0) node[below left] {\x} };
\end{axis}
\end{tikzpicture}$
$$y = \dfrac{4}{9}(x-3)(x+3)$$
 

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