A structural engineer designs a bridge to be built over a river. The following design,
consisting of a parabola and crossbeams. Represents the bridge's metal support
structure.
a. Determine an equation for the parabola in the design.
b. What type of lines does each crossbeam represent?
c. Determine the slope of each crossbeam in the design. Describe your method.
d. What do the slopes of the crossbeams represent?
e. How is the symmetry of the parabola shown by the slopes of the crossbeams?