Question

In the equation y = -7x^2, how does -7 transform the parabola?

a) Vertically stretches and flips upside down.
b) Vertically stretches and shifts down by 7 units.
c) Vertically compresses and flips upside down.
d) Vertically compresses and shifts down by 7 units.

Answer 1

The equation y = -7x^2 results in a parabola that is vertically stretched by a factor of 7 and flipped upside down due to the negative coefficient.Correct option is C.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the equation y = -7x^2, the coefficient -7 affects the parabola in two distinct ways. First, the negative sign indicates a vertical reflection, which means the parabola will open vertically downward in the coordinate system instead of the usual vertically upward.

Second, the absolute value of the coefficient, which is 7, indicates a vertical stretch by a factor of 7 compared to the parabola y = x^2. Therefore, the correct transformation is vertically stretches and flips upside down, which is option (a).