I need help with parabolic equations....
I'm trying to learn this on an online school, but the tutorial is way to vague and I'm confused as all get out. I'm pretty smart, I'm in advanced math. I should be able to learn this. It's just so confusing without a teacher. If anyone wants to help I would really appreciate it.
Parabolas are pretty basic but dependable on the equation can be pretty hard
I suggest this website:
http://www.purplemath.com/modules/parabola.htm
the main points are the formula you will use is either wrote as f(x)=ax2 + bx+c
or the same but f(x) is y, these two are the same but you will see either dependable on the question and who is asking it.
I also find it easier to use a t-chart. To set up your t-chart make two columns. Your x's and y's under the x's use generic small numbers such as -4, -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 depending on how big the numbers are. Plug these numbers in as x in the equation above(a, b, and c should be given as numbers) and solve for y. Put the answer in the y section by the x number you plugged in. These are your coordinates. When you fill the chart out graph it. Another point is to use PEMDAS. Parenthesis, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction. Also remember that is A is positive then your parabola will open up is negative it will open down. This is always a good way to check.
I hope you find this helpful, my cousin just finished a chapter on parabolas and I had to help him out with his homework so hopefully this is helpful.
Parabolas are pretty basic but dependable on the equation can be pretty hard
I suggest this website:
http://www.purplemath.com/modules/parabola.htm
the main points are the formula you will use is either wrote as f(x)=ax2 + bx+c
or the same but f(x) is y, these two are the same but you will see either dependable on the question and who is asking it.
I also find it easier to use a t-chart. To set up your t-chart make two columns. Your x's and y's under the x's use generic small numbers such as -4, -3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 depending on how big the numbers are. Plug these numbers in as x in the equation above(a, b, and c should be given as numbers) and solve for y. Put the answer in the y section by the x number you plugged in. These are your coordinates. When you fill the chart out graph it. Another point is to use PEMDAS. Parenthesis, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction. Also remember that is A is positive then your parabola will open up is negative it will open down. This is always a good way to check.
I hope you find this helpful, my cousin just finished a chapter on parabolas and I had to help him out with his homework so hopefully this is helpful.
