kyotsu-test 2015 QCourse1-II-Q1
Determining quadratic function from given conditions
View
Consider the two parabolas $$\begin{aligned}
\ell : & & y = ax^2 + 2bx + c \\
m : & & y = (a+1)x^2 + 2(b+2)x + c + 3.
\end{aligned}$$ Four points A, B, C and D are assumed to be in the relative positions shown in the figure. One of the two parabolas passes through the three points A, B and C, and the other one passes through the three points B, C and D.
(1) The parabola passing through the three points A, B and C is $\mathbf{A}$. Here, for $\mathbf{A}$ choose the correct answer from (0) or (1), just below. (0) parabola $\ell$ (1) parabola $m$
(2) Since both parabolas $\ell$ and $m$ pass through the two points B and C, the $x$-coordinates of B and C are the solutions of the quadratic equation $$x^2 + \mathbf{B}x + \mathbf{C} = 0.$$ Hence, the $x$-coordinate of point B is $\mathbf{DE}$, and the $x$-coordinate of point C is $\mathbf{FG}$.
(3) In particular, we are to find the values of $a$, $b$ and $c$ when $\mathrm{AB} = \mathrm{BC}$ and $\mathrm{CO} = \mathrm{OD}$.
Since the two points C and D are symmetric with respect to the $y$-axis, we have $b = \mathbf{H}$. On the other hand, since $\mathrm{AB} = \mathrm{BC}$, the straight line $x = \mathbf{IJ}$ is the axis of symmetry of $\mathbf{A}$. Hence we have $a = -\frac{\mathbf{K}}{\mathbf{L}}$. And we have $c = \frac{\mathbf{M}}{\mathbf{L}}$.