frank1 wrote:GMATGuruNY wrote:
The GMAT does not test the equation of a circle (nor does it test the equation of a parabola, a hyperbola, an ellipse, a sphere, or a pyramid).
.
well guru,Can we take it as rule?
I have also not seen such question till now in any prep.
But
the quantative review OG has a page dedicated to parabola and its equation.
So only because of that sometime i am doubtful.
thanks.
The GMAT does not test the equation of a circle, of a hyperbola, of an ellipse, of a sphere, of a cone, or of a pyramid. If the equation of any of these shapes is needed in order to solve a GMAT problem (unlikely), the equation will be given.
Since a parabola is the basic quadratic equation y = a^2+bx+c, it might be discussed, but only in a very rudimentary way. It might be helpful to know the following:
If a>0, the parabola opens upward and looks like this: U. Its minimum value is -b/2a. Its y intercept is c.
So given y = 2x^2+4x+5:
It opens upward and looks like a U.
Its minimum value is -4/(2*2) = -1.
It intersects the y axis at y=5.
If a<0, the parabola opens downward and looks like this: ∩. Its maximum value is -b/2a. Its y intercept is c.
So given y = -2x^2+4x+5:
It opens downward and looks like a ∩.
Its maximum value is -4/(2*-2) = 1.
It intersects the y axis at y=5.
A parabola is symmetrical about the vertical line that would split it down the middle. This line (called the axis of symmetry) passes through the minimum or maximum value of the parabola. Thus, the equation of the axis of symmetry is x = -b/2a.
Helpful info, but I'd be surprised if you need it when you take the GMAT.
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