document.write( "Question 248159: given a quadratic equation in standard form y=ax^2+bx+c, explain what the coefficient of x^2 tells you \n" ); document.write( "

Algebra.Com's Answer #180892 by Fombitz(32388) $\"\"$ $\"About$

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Positive coefficient \"a\" means the curve opens upwards (like a cup sitting on a table).
\n" ); document.write( "Large absolute value of a means \"skinnier\" graph compared to x^2 (green graph a=10).
\n" ); document.write( "Small absolute value of \"a\" means \"wider\" graph compared to x^2 (blue graph a=0.1).
\n" ); document.write( " $\"+graph%28+300%2C+300%2C+-5%2C+5%2C+-10%2C+10%2C+x%5E2%2C+10x%5E2%2C+0.1x%5E2%29+\"$
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\n" ); document.write( "Negative coefficient \"a\" means the curve opens downwards. \r
\n" ); document.write( "\n" ); document.write( " $\"+graph%28+300%2C+300%2C+-5%2C+5%2C+-10%2C+10%2C+-x%5E2%2C+-10x%5E2%2C+-0.1x%5E2%29+\"$ \n" ); document.write( "

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