Final answer:
In the expression 'axe(-bx²)', 'a' is a constant that represents the coefficient of the squared term in a quadratic equation and determines the curvature and the direction of the parabola.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the expression axe(-bx²), the symbol 'a' represents a constant. In the context of quadratic equations, for example in the form ax² + bx + c = 0, the constant 'a' is the coefficient of the squared term, and it determines the curvature of the parabola when graphed. The value of 'a' affects important characteristics of the equation such as the direction in which the parabola opens. A positive 'a' value means the parabola opens upwards, and a negative 'a' value means it opens downwards. It also impacts the width of the parabola – larger absolute values of 'a' make the parabola narrower, while smaller absolute values make it wider.