Begin with the vertex form of a parabola: [tex]y=a(x-h)^2+k[/tex] Substitute the values for y = -8, x = 0, h = -1.5, and k = -12.5 We are trying to find the value of a so we will know the equation of the parabola in question. [tex]-8=a(0-(-1.5))^2-12.5[/tex] [tex]-8=2.25a-12.5[/tex] [tex]4.5=2.25a[/tex] [tex]2=a[/tex] Therefore the equation is: [tex]y=2(x+1.5)^2-12.5[/tex] Replace y with 0 to find the x-intercepts [tex]0=2(x+1.5)^2-12.5[/tex] x = 4 and x = -1 Therefore (4,0) and (-1,0) fill in the blanks
