Question

The vertex of this parabola is at (-2, -3) when the y value is -5 and the x value is -1 what is the coefficient of the squared expression

Answer 1

a = - 2

Explanation:

The equation of a parabola in vertex form is

y = a(x - h)² + k

where (h, k) are the coordinates of the vertex and a is a multiplier

here (h , k) = (- 2, - 3), hence

y = a(x + 2)² - 3

To find a substitute x = - 1, y = - 5 into the equation

- 5 = a - 3 ⇒ a = - 5 + 3 = - 2

The coefficient of the squared expression is - 2