We are given that the quadratic function has the equation:
y = a(x + 6)(x - 2)
To find the value of a, we can use the fact that the function passes through the point (3, 36). This means that when x = 3, y = 36. Substituting these values into the equation, we get:
36 = a(3 + 6)(3 - 2)
36 = 9a
a = 4
Therefore, the value of a is 4.