A new bridge is to be constructed over the East River in New York City. Two structural possibilities exist: the support could be in the shape of a parabola or the support could be in the shape of a semi-ellipse.
The space between the supports needs to be 1050 feet.
The height at the center of the arch needs to be 350 feet. Determine the equation of a parabola with these characteristics. (Hint: Place the vertex of the parabola at the origin to simplify calculations).
What is your equation for the parabola? An empty tanker, 520 feet wide and 260 feet high needs to pass beneath the bridge.