A bridge constructed over a bayou has a supporting arch in the shape of an inverted parabola. Find the equation of the parabolic arch if the length of the road over the arch is 100 meters and the maximum height of the arch is 40 meters.

y = (-2/125)(x - 50)² + 40

Step-by-step explanation:

The total length of the bridge is 100 meters.

Maximum height always occurs at midpoint of x.

So for x=50 meters , y = 40 meters.

As the vertex is given at the maximum height,  Vertex can be defined at the point (50,40)

We know that the general equation for vertical parabola is:

y = a(x - h)² + k

Where (h,k) = Vertex = (50,40)

Substitute in the equation:

y = a(x - 50)² + 40 ⇒ Equation (i)

We know 2 more points on the parabola. We know that when x=0 , y=0 and we also know that when x=100m, y=0 meters.

Substitute any point in the above equation

Substituting (100,0) in the equation

0 = a(100 - 50)² +40

Solve the equation for a:

a = - 2/125

Substitute a in Equation (i)

y = (-2/125)(x - 50)² + 40