Before being able to find the equation for the axis of symmetry, let's find the equation of the parabola first. These are the general froms of equation for any given parabola:
(x-h)² = +/-4a (y-k) or (y-k)² = +/-4a(x-h) where (h,k) is the vertex of the parabola a is the distance from the focus to the vertex
For parabolas intersecting the x-axis twice and facing downwards, the general form would be: (x-h)² = -4a (y-k)
Based on the given graph, the coordinates of the vertex is at (10, 790). Thus, h = 10 and k = 790. To find the value of a, substitute any point that is along the parabola. Let's choose (0,600). We use these x and y coordinates to substitute to the general form.
(0-10)² = -4a (600-790) 4a = 0.526 So, the equation of the parabola is
Now, this will be the basis for the equation of our axis of symmetry. From the general form of ax² + bx + c, the equation for axis of symmetry is x = -b/2a. From the given general form, a = -1.9 and b = 38.02. So, the axis of symmetry is
x = -38.02/2(-1.9) x = 10
Technically, you really don't have to go through the solution. If you are given a graph, the axis of symmetry is the line that divides that parabola into halves as they intersect the vertex. Since the vertex is along x=10, the equation is x=10.