standard_description: Use similar triangles to explain why the slope m is the same between any two distinct points on a non-vertical line in the coordinate plane; derive the equation y = mx for a line through the origin and the equation y = mx + b for a line intercepting the vertical axis at b.
problem_activity: Task
Consider three points in the plane, $P=(-4, 0), Q=(-1, 12)$ and $R=(4, 32)$.
Find the equation of the line through $P$ and $Q$.
Use your equation in (a) to show that $R$ is on the same line as $P$ and $Q$.
Show that $P, Q$ and $R$ are on the graph of the equation $y = x^3 + x^2 - 12 x$.
Is it possible for $P, Q$ and $R$ to all lie on a parabola of the form $y=ax^2+bx+c$?


aligns: no