How to find the equation of a parabola with only 3 pts.

1. Jul 29, 2008

redretro

If you have 3 points of a parabola that are'nt the vertex and the only other information you recieve is that the A.O.S is parallel to the y axis how would you acurately find the equation? Everytime I try, I always end up with odd fractions......... the pts are (-3,-4),
(-1,-1), (2,3)

2. Relevant equations: general form: y=ax^2+ bx+c standard form: y-h=a(x-k)^2 a=1/4l l is the distance from the vertex to either the directrix or the focus, also that the equations opens either up or down....

Attempt:(-3,-4) -4=9a-3b+c (-1,-1) -1=a-b+c (2,3) 3=4a+2b+c

(-1)(-4=9a-3b-c) (-1)(-4=9a-3b-c)
(-1= a -b+c) (3=4a+2b+c)
+ ___________ +____________
3=-8a+2b 7=-5a+5b

(-5)(3=-8a+2b)
( 2)(7=-5a+5b)
+_____________
1=30a a=1/30

7=-5(1/30)+5b 7= -5/30+5b 215/30=5b 1075/30=b b= 215/6 a=1/30 b=215/6

3=4a+2b+c 3=4/30+2(215/6)+c 86/30= 215/3+c c=-2064/30

after that point: I thought something went wrong and attempted to redo it.........-.-

2. Jul 29, 2008

Staff: Mentor

I get a = 1/30 also, using determinants to solve the equations for it. I think you're on the right track...

3. Jul 29, 2008

Staff: Mentor

But in your solution for b, I think there's an issue...

7=-5(1/30)+5b
7= -5/30+5b
215/30=5b
1075/30=b <--- (see the issue?)
b= 215/6

4. Jul 30, 2008

redretro

okay thanks ^.^ I think I understand it more.