In the xy-plane, a parabola with vertex (9, -14) intersects …

Mathematics Questions

In the xy-plane, a parabola with vertex (9, -14) intersects the x-axis at two points. If the equation of the parabola is written in the form y = ax² + bx + c, where a, b, and c are constants, which of the following could be the value of a + b + c? A) -23 B) -19 C) -14 D) -12

Short Answer

The vertex form of a parabola is expressed as y = a(x – h)¬¨‚â§ + k, with the vertex at (9, -14) leading to the equation y = a(x – 9)¬¨‚â§ – 14. We determine that the coefficients a, b, and c, where c = -14, can yield a total of -23 for a + b + c, indicating a specific relationship among the coefficients.

Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1: Understand the Vertex Form of a Parabola

The equation of a parabola is often expressed in the vertex form: y = a(x – h)¬¨‚â§ + k. Here, (h, k) represents the vertex of the parabola. In our problem, the vertex is given as (9, -14), which allows us to set up the equation as y = a(x – 9)¬¨‚â§ – 14.

Step 2: Identify the Coefficients

The equation can be rewritten to emphasize its standard form, y = ax² + bx + c, where we identify the coefficients a, b, and c. In this case, c is -14. Since the parabola intersects the x-axis at two points, the value of a must be negative. This is necessary for the parabola to open downwards, which affects the overall shape of the graph.

Step 3: Calculate the Sum of Coefficients

To find the sum of the coefficients a, b, and c, we simply add them together. The expression we are evaluating is a + b + c, where we know that c = -14. Based on the options presented, we conclude that the potential total for a + b + c could be -23. This indicates a specific relation between the coefficients, leading us to our stated sum.

Related Concepts

Vertex Form

The equation of a parabola expressed as y = a(x – h)¬¨‚â§ + k, where (h, k) is the vertex of the parabola

Coefficient

A numerical factor in front of an algebraic term in a polynomial, specifically in the standard form y = ax² + bx + c

Sum Of Coefficients

The total value obtained by adding together the numerical factors (a, b, and c) from the polynomial equation of a parabola.

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