Thread: [help] Can't figure out how to complete a parabolic equation

Hey everyone!

I recently did a rocket project and I have the following things calculated (attached), however I'm supposed to get my data in the format:

y - k = a(x - h)^2

I figured out the height on my own by using tangent, but I'm not sure how to get it in the correct format.

Thanks for help in advance!

you have t = 6 seconds ... you need to get the parabola as a function of x

Could I somehow use points to figure that out? Since the vertex would be (3,33.12) and another point I could use would be the origin at (0,0)?

the vertex is not x = 3 , it is t = 3 ...

are you wanting the parabola as height vs. displacement or height vs. time?

I asked my professor, and he just wants the flight path (which I'm guessing just the equation?)

This is what I have but I feel like something is way off when it comes down to the equation..

how far horizontally did the rocket land from where it was launched?

Another thing you can do is write your parabola in the general form . You know that when x= 0, h= 0 so , that when x= 91, h= 0 so that , and that when x= 91/2= 45.5, h= 33.12 so that (a parabola is symmetric so we know the vertex is half way between 0 and 91 feet). That gives three linear equations to solve for a, b, and c.