SOLUTION: why do we put the graph upward when a is positive and downward when a negative?

Algebra ->  Quadratic Equations and Parabolas -> SOLUTION: why do we put the graph upward when a is positive and downward when a negative?      Log On


   

Question 613206: why do we put the graph upward when a is positive and downward when a negative?
Answer by scott8148(6628) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
we don't put anything; the graph is a result of solutions to the equation

a is the coefficient of the squared term in the quadratic
___ as the independent variable gets larger, and its square gets much larger;
___ the graph becomes very positive (up) or negative (down), depending on the sign of a