Question

A mirror with a parabolic cross section is used to collect sunlight on a pipe located at the focus of the mirror. The pipe is located 7 inches from the vertex of the mirror. Write an equation of the parabola that models the cross section of the mirror. Assume that the parabola opens upward.

(1 point)
Responses

QG 15 Q 3 a
Image with alt text: QG 15 Q 3 a

QG 15 Q 3 b
Image with alt text: QG 15 Q 3 b

QG 15 Q 3 c
Image with alt text: QG 15 Q 3 c

QG 15 Q 3 d

Answer 1

[AI-generated answer — Bot GPT 3.5]

The vertex form equation of a parabola is y = a(x-h)^2 + k, where (h,k) is the vertex of the parabola. Since the parabola opens upward, the coefficient "a" must be positive.

Given that the pipe is located 7 inches from the vertex of the mirror, the coordinate of the vertex is (7, 0). Therefore, the equation of the parabola is y = a(x-7)^2.

Additional information is needed to find the exact value of "a" in order to determine the equation of the parabola.