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jmc

algebra senior

Problem

Suppose that we have an equation whose graph is a parabola with vertex , vertical axis of symmetry, and contains the point .

What is ?
Solution
Since the axis of symmetry is vertical and the vertex is , the parabola may also be written as for some value of . Plugging the point into this expression gives This tells us .

Our equation is Putting it into form requires expanding the square, so we get Our answer is
Final answer
\left(-\frac{1}{2}, 3, -\frac{5}{2}\right)