A student draws two parabolas on graph paper. Both parabolas cross the x-axis at (-40) and (6.0). The y-intercept of the first parabola is (0-12). The y-intercept of the second parabola is (0-24). What is the positive difference between the a values for the two functions that describe the parabolas? Write your answer as a decimal rounded to the nearest tenth

we have three similar triangles, because each has a right angle and shares an angle.   let's write the angles in order: opposite to short leg, long leg, hypotenuse.

cab similar to bad similar to cbd

or as ratios,

ca: ab: cb = ba: ad: bd = cb: bd: cd

we also know

ac = ad + cd

(ad+cd): ab: cb = ba: ad: bd = cb: bd: cd

(ad+cd)/cb=cb/cd

we have cb=6, ad=5 and seek x=cd.

we reject the negative root and conclude x=4

answer: 4

i'm sorry mate, but i am not seeing any figures. i am unable to solve this for you.

the correct answer is c

good luck love