Question

The vertex of this parabola is at (-5, -2). When the x-value is -4, the

y-value is 2. What is the coefficient of the squared expression in the parabola's equation?

Answer 1

Answer:4

Explanation:

The equation of a vertical parabola is:

y = a (x − h)² + k,

where (h, k) is the vertex and a is the coefficient.

We know the vertex is (-5, -2), so:

y = a (x − (-5))² + (-2)

y = a (x + 5)² − 2

We also know the parabola passes through (-4, 2).

2 = a (-4 + 5)² − 2

2 = a (1)² − 2

2 = a − 2

a = 4

So the coefficient of the squared expression is 4.