Question:

Suppose a parabola passes through \((0,4)\), \((1,9)\) and \((4,5)\) and has its axis parallel to the \(y\)-axis. Then the equation of the parabola is

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If the axis of a parabola is parallel to the \(y\)-axis, always use the form \(y=ax^2+bx+c\).
Updated On: Jun 22, 2026
  • \(19x^2+12y-79x-48=0\)
  • \(19x^2+12y-79x+48=0\)
  • \(19y^2+12x-79y-48=0\)
  • \(19y^2+12x-79y+48=0\)
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Write the general equation of the parabola.
Since the axis of the parabola is parallel to the \(y\)-axis, its equation is of the form
\[ y=ax^2+bx+c \]

Step 2: Use the point \((0,4)\).
Substituting \((0,4)\) into the equation,
\[ 4=a(0)^2+b(0)+c \] \[ c=4 \]

Step 3: Use the point \((1,9)\).
Substituting \((1,9)\),
\[ 9=a(1)^2+b(1)+4 \] \[ 9=a+b+4 \] \[ a+b=5 \]

Step 4: Use the point \((4,5)\).
Substituting \((4,5)\),
\[ 5=a(4)^2+b(4)+4 \] \[ 5=16a+4b+4 \] \[ 16a+4b=1 \]

Step 5: Solve for \(a\) and \(b\).
From
\[ a+b=5 \] we get
\[ b=5-a \] Substitute into
\[ 16a+4b=1 \] \[ 16a+4(5-a)=1 \] \[ 16a+20-4a=1 \] \[ 12a=-19 \] \[ a=-\frac{19}{12} \] Now,
\[ b=5+\frac{19}{12} \] \[ b=\frac{79}{12} \]

Step 6: Write the equation of the parabola.
Substitute the values of \(a\), \(b\), and \(c\):
\[ y=-\frac{19}{12}x^2+\frac{79}{12}x+4 \] Multiply throughout by \(12\):
\[ 12y=-19x^2+79x+48 \] Rearranging,
\[ 19x^2+12y-79x-48=0 \]

Step 7: Final conclusion.
Hence, the equation of the parabola is
\[ \boxed{19x^2+12y-79x-48=0} \]
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