Question

The vertex of this parabola is at (2, -4). When the y-value is -3, the x-value is -3. What is the coefficient of the squared term in the parabola's equation?

Answer 1

The squared term is 1/25

Explanation:

The parabola equation in the vertex form is

`y = a * (x - h)^2 + k`

where point (h,k) is the vertex and a is the squared term. In this case h = 2 and k = -4. On the other hand, we know that y = -3 and x = -3 are in the parabola. Replacing these values in the formula gives

`-3 = a * (-3 - 2)^2 - 4`

Solving for a

`-3 + 4 = a * (-5)^2`

`1 = a * 25`

`a = (1)/(25)`