How do you solve?

A parabolic solar cooker is manufactured following the equation y = 4x^2 - 4X + 1/4, and is mounted on a tabletop whose edge coincides with the axis of the abscissa. If all measurements are given in meters, determine the depth of the counter so that the kitchen fits perfectly.

A)1/2 - (√3/4)
B) 1/2
C) 1/2+(√3/4)
D)3/4

1 Answer
Jan 24, 2018

3/4 m

Explanation:

graph{4x^2-4x+ 1/4 [-10, 10, -5, 5]}

this is the parabola of y = 4x^2-4x + 1/4.

depth of counter: vertical distance from tabletop to bottom of cooker

depth of counter: vertical (y-) distance from the abscissa to the vertex of the parabola

coordinates of vertex: (0.5, -0.75)

at the abscissa, y=0
at the vertex, y=-0.75

depth = 0 - (-0.75)

= 0 + 0.75

= 0.75

0.75 = 3/4

depth of counter: 3/4m