Answer:
Step-by-step explanation:
A softball thrown follows a parabolic path.
We are given that the maximum height is 28 feet
So, The y coordinate of vertex is 28 i.e. k = 28
Now we are given that the ball covers a ground distance of 4 feet before hitting the ground.
So, x intercept is 4 feet
Initially the height of the ball is 0 i.e. y = 0 and the distance traveled by the ball along x axis is also 0
So, points on the parabola are (0,0) and (4,0) (Refer the attached figure)
So, the x coordinate of vertex is the x coordinate of mid point of (0,0) and (4,0)
So, the x coordinate of vertex is 2 i.e. h = 2
So, vertex (h,k)=(2,28)
General form of equation of parabola :
Substitute the vertex
--A
Since (0,0) satisfies the parabola.
So, substitute (0,0) in A to get value of a
Substitute the value of a in A
Hence the equation describes the ball’s trajectory is