Find a quadratic equation that fits given data points using y=ax^2+bx+c. (3,44), (-4,30), (1,0) I've done similar problems but this one has me stumped!

Question

Find a quadratic equation that fits given data points using y=ax^2+bx+c. (3,44), (-4,30), (1,0)  I've done similar problems but this one has me stumped!

nowhereman · Answer

insert your 3 points for (x,y) into the abstract formula, you get three equations for a,b and c. Solve them and you have the solution.

anonymous · Answer

The ones I've done in the past end up factoring out so that a, b, or c shows easily and I've worked this one 3 different ways and I'm still having problems coming up with a value for any of them. I found examples that had 0 as a y coordinate but not the x.

nowhereman · Answer

If you don't know how to solve the system of linear equations, that you get, look here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaussian_elimination

anonymous · Answer

Thanks, I'll take a look