A parabola is represented by a quadratic equation. So, these types of problems can be used when trying to figure out how long it will take an object to hit the ground; or at least some type of plane. For example, assume someone is on a diving board. If they are 48 ft above the water, then how long will it take them to come in contact with the water? Similarly, if someone jumped off a building without a parachute, how long will it take them to hit the ground? So, parabolas can be used in solving these problems because objects tend to fall in the path of a curved line, or parabola.
Check this out!
Want some practice?
http://www.northstarmath.com/sitemap/zero-productproperty.html
Now that you can find the zeros, fins the zeroes of x2 + 14x + 40 = 0
