Answer:
The coefficient of the squared term is 1/25.
Explanation:
We are given that the vertex of a parabola is at (2, -4). We also know that y = -3 when x = -3.
And we want to determine the coefficient of the squared term of the equation.
Since we are given the vertex, we can use the vertex form of the quadratic:
![\displaystyle y = a(x-h)^2+k](https://img.qammunity.org/2022/formulas/mathematics/college/uvx7wmhpt2qyzvezv95vqst7qiqboi4gn0.png)
Where (h, k) is the vertex and a is the leading coefficient. The leading coefficient is also the coefficient of the squared term, so we simply need to find the value of a.
Since the vertex is at (2, -4), h = 2 and k = -4. Substitute:
![\displaystyle y = a(x-2)^2-4](https://img.qammunity.org/2022/formulas/mathematics/college/b1q4f30ix8gsap595y5q1fmgey9yero4lj.png)
y = -3 when x = -3. Solve for a:
![\displaystyle (-3) = a((-3)-2)^2-4](https://img.qammunity.org/2022/formulas/mathematics/college/mlezsm9w8hu3ro9u10clx0dq8a365xyscf.png)
Simplify:
![\displaystyle 1 = a(-5)^2\Rightarrow a = (1)/(25)](https://img.qammunity.org/2022/formulas/mathematics/college/p3vqlj9sich1ywky0whuj8sagdrkoxw2jt.png)
Therefore, our function in vertex form is:
![\displaystyle f(x) = (1)/(25)\left(x-2)^2-4](https://img.qammunity.org/2022/formulas/mathematics/college/4ug0f125murkafzi7tci307dyy16tnpgco.png)
Hence, the coefficient of the squared term is 1/25.