Question

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

Answer 1

For both positive and negative values of “y”, the consequent value of “x” will be positive according to given equation of parabola, i.e. x = ay^2. The coefficient “a” is a positive value.

Thus the resulting parabola will open to the right side.

An example of the proposed parabola is attached herewith.

Answer 2

An equation of a parabola described by x = ay^2 opens up to the right when a is positive.