Determine the constants

Question

Function g:

g (x) = ax ^ 2 + 4x + b

  

Determine the constants a and b so that g gets to the bottom of (-1,1).

Answer 1

x = -b/2a

-1 = -4/2a

-2a = -4

a = 2

2(-1)² + 4(-1) + b = 1

2 - 4 + b = 1

b = 3

I have to say that using b as the 2nd variable is a poor choice. We normally say ax² + bx + c. You have a given value of 4 for b and should be finding c, so don't let that confuse you as you move on.