Can Geometry and Algebra Explain a Triangle's Romance with a Parabola?

  • Thread starter Thread starter crouch88
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Parabola Triangle
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a geometry and algebra problem involving the relationship between a triangle and a parabola, specifically referencing a particular question from an external source. Participants are exploring the geometric properties and equations related to the shapes involved.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants express uncertainty about how to approach the problem, with some suggesting starting by drawing the shapes involved. Others discuss finding the base and height of the triangle and the intersection points of the parabola with a line. There are questions about specific values of parameters that may affect the problem.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing their attempts to visualize the problem and clarify their understanding. Some guidance has been offered regarding drawing diagrams and solving equations, but there is no explicit consensus on the next steps or solutions.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention potential mistakes in their diagrams and calculations, indicating a need for careful consideration of the values used in their equations. There is also a reference to homework constraints, as participants are expected to work through the problem without direct solutions being provided.

crouch88
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
Last edited by a moderator:
All you have to do is figure out the base and height of the triangle. Can you find where the parabola intersects the line? Are there some values of a that don't work? It might help to draw a picture as an example. Try a = 4. Also try a = -1/2.
 
okay okay wait wait...

I solve y=a(squared) and y=9*x(squared) - a --- to get two equations
Also when x=0 for the parabola, y=-a right?

Uh okay...could you tell me then what I should do?

OHHH I made a mistake in the diagram...y is not -0.3 ... y=-3
 
crouch88 said:
okay okay wait wait...

I solve y=a(squared) and y=9*x(squared) - a --- to get two equations
Also when x=0 for the parabola, y=-a right?

Uh okay...could you tell me then what I should do?

OHHH I made a mistake in the diagram...y is not -0.3 ... y=-3

Use the X2 button to do superscripts. So what did you get when you solved

y = 9x2 - a and y = a2?

Can you figure out the base of the triangle and its height?
 

Similar threads

Identifying the equation of a parabola
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
The orthocentre of the triangle and a parabola
  • · Replies 40 ·
2
Replies
40
Views
9K
Triangle formed by tangents to a parabola
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Tough geometry problem about triangles, proof
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
4K
Triangle inscribed in a circle
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
Do you know how to find the equation of lines?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Complex Geometry: EQN of Circle, Parabola, Ellipse & Line
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
What are the sizes of angles in a scalene triangle with given expressions?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Proving Triangle Side Lengths Using Congruence and Similarity
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Solving Geometry Problems involving Fractions and Triangles
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K