SOLUTION: Determine weather the graph of each parabola opens upward or downward. 24. y = ½ x^2 + 3 how do i determine which way the parabola opens?? can you please assist me?? thanks

Algebra ->  Quadratic Equations and Parabolas -> SOLUTION: Determine weather the graph of each parabola opens upward or downward. 24. y = ½ x^2 + 3 how do i determine which way the parabola opens?? can you please assist me?? thanks       Log On


   

Question 60397: Determine weather the graph of each parabola opens upward or downward.
24. y = ½ x^2 + 3
how do i determine which way the parabola opens?? can you please assist me??
thanks you are wounderful :)
Answer by josmiceli(19441) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
If the sign in front of the x%5E2 term is positive, then the parabola looks like a cup sitting on a table.
If the sign of the x%5E2 term is negative, then it's an upside down cup
Try a simple example, y+=+-x%5E2
This is the upside-down cup with peak at (0,0) becase all other possible y's are negative