Question

How does changing each of a, b, and c in the equation y = ax2 + bx + c change the shape of the parabola?

How would you have to change the equation to make the ball first hit the backboard and then fall through the net?
Explain how another player could stand in the same spot, facing the same direction, throw the ball in that direction, but miss the basket

Answer 1

y = ax² + bx + c

Changing the 'a' value in the equation results in either WIDENING or NARROWING the parabola.
Changing the 'b' value in the equation results in... Uh, I'll get back to you on that.
Edit: b effects the axis of symmetry on the parabola, moving it from side-to-side.
Changing the 'c' value in the equation results in moving the vertex of the parabola up or down.