If f(x)=ax^2+bx+c is a quadratic function for which f(0)= -4, f(6) = -6, and f(9) = 2, find coefficients a, b, and c.

Annalise Wilson

Annalise Wilson

Open question

2022-09-03

If f(x)=ax^2+bx+c is a quadratic function for which f(0)= -4, f(6) = -6, and f(9) = 2, find coefficients a, b, and c.

Answer & Explanation

Yahir Wolfe

Yahir Wolfe

Beginner2022-09-04Added 5 answers

For this problem notice that there are 3 unknowns we are looking for, a,b, and c (the coefficients of the quadratic equation). However, we are given information that tells us the quadratic equation must satisfy 3 conditions. Using these 3 conditions, we can set up a system to find the 3 unknowns.
First, plug in each of the given conditions into the general quadratic equation, f(x)=ax2+bx+c
(1) f(0)=-4
f(0)=a(0)2+b(0)+c=0+0+c=c=4
c=4
f(6)=a(6)2+b(6)+c=36a+6b+c=6
36a+6b+c=6
f(9)=a(9)2+b(9)+c=81a+9b+c=2
81a+9b+c=2
81a+9b+c=2
36a+6b+c=%u22126 36a+6b+c=6
c=%u22124 c=4
We can substitute c=-4 into the first two equations to get
81a+9b4=2
36a+6b4=6
Simplifying
(1) 81a+9b=6
(2) 36a+6b=2
Solving equation (1) for a,
a=69b81
Substituting a into equation (2),
36(69b81)+6b=2
Solving for b,
b=73
Substitute b back into a to solve for a,
a=69(7/3)81=13
So, a=13,b=73.c=4 and you get the final quadratic equation
f(x)=13x273x4
aftredingzo

aftredingzo

Beginner2022-09-05Added 1 answers

f(0) = c = -4
f(6) = 36a+6b-4 = -6 -> 18a+3b = -1
f(9) = 81a+9b-4 = 2 -> 27a + 3b = 2
(27a-18a) = 2+1 -> a = 1/3 -> b = (-1-6)/3 = -7/3

Do you have a similar question?

Recalculate according to your conditions!

Ask your question.
Get an expert answer.

Let our experts help you. Answer in as fast as 15 minutes.

Didn't find what you were looking for?