Question

The vertex of this parabola is at (-2, -3). When the x-value is -1, the

y-value is -5. What is the coefficient of the squared expression in the
parabola's equation?

Answer 1

-2

Explanation:

Start with the vertex form of the equation of a parabola: y - k = a(x - h)^2

Here h = -2, k = -3, x = -1, y = -5. Find a:

-5 - [-3] = a(-1 - [-2])^2, or

-5 + 3 = a(1)^2, or

-2 = a

The unknown coefficient is -2.