Question

The vertex of the parabola below is at the point (-4,-2). Which

of the equations below could be the one for this parabola?

Answer 1

B. x = -2(y + 2)² - 4

Explanation:

The vertex form of a sideways parabola with its vertex at (h, k) is:

x = a(y – k)²+ h

We can immediately eliminate C, because that is the equation for a vertical parabola.

The vertex is at (-4, -2), so h = -4 and k = -2

h always goes with x and k with y, so the equation is

x = a(y + 2)² - 4

The only equation that fits is Option B.

In Option B, a = -2. This confirms our assignment, because a parabola opens to the left when a < 0.