Question

The equation below describes a parabola. If a is positive, which way does the parabola open? y = ax2

Answer 1

The parabola open upward

Explanation:

we know that

The equation in vertex form of a vertical parabola is equal to

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

where

(h,k) is the vertex of the parabola

If
`a>0` -----> the parabola open upward and the vertex is a minimum

If
`a<0` -----> the parabola open downward and the vertex is a maximum

In this problem we have

`y=ax^(2)` and
`a>0`

so

Is a vertical parabola

The vertex is the origin
`(0,0)`

The parabola open upward

The vertex is a minimum