Asked by Kelsie
Flights of leaping animals typically have parabolic paths. The figure illustrates a frog jump superimposed on a coordinate plane. The length of the leap is 9 feet, and the maximum height off the ground is 3a feet. Find a standard equation for the path of the frog. Assume a = 1.
Answers
Answered by
Steve
Since the leap travels 9 feet, the function has zeros at x=0,9, so
y(x) = ax(x-9)
When x = 9/2,
y(9/2) = a(9/2)(-9/2) = -81/4 a
Why should we assume a=1?
If -81/4 a = 3a we are in trouble.
I think there's something wrong with the way the problem is stated. Either that, or (missing a diagram) my assumption that the height is zero at x=0,9 is wrong.
y(x) = ax(x-9)
When x = 9/2,
y(9/2) = a(9/2)(-9/2) = -81/4 a
Why should we assume a=1?
If -81/4 a = 3a we are in trouble.
I think there's something wrong with the way the problem is stated. Either that, or (missing a diagram) my assumption that the height is zero at x=0,9 is wrong.
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