Question

Which of the quadratic functions has the narrowest graph?

y = –2x2

y = –3x2

y= 1/3x^2

y= 1/8x^2

Answer 1

y = -3x^2

Explanation:

A quadratic function has a leading coefficient which determines its width. When |a| < 1 the graph is wider. When |a| > 1 the graph is narrower. This means y = -3x^2 is the narrowest graph since 3 is the greatest.