Question

The equation below describes a parabola. If a is negative, which way does the parabola open? x = ay2

Answer 1

The given parabola opens to the left.

Explanation:

We are given,

The equation of the parabola is
`x=ay^2`

If in the parabola,

1. If 'a' is positive, then the parabola opens upwards or right.

2. If 'a' is negative, then the parabola opens downwards or left.

Moreover,

3. If x is squared, then the parabola opens upwards or downwards.

4. If y is squared, then the parabola opens left or right.

Now, as we are given the parabola having
`y^2` and 'a' is negative.

Thus, from the points 4 and 2, we get,

The given parabola opens to the left.

Answer 2

This type of parabola opens either to the left or to the right. The negative makes it open to the left.