Question 25173
The co-efficient of x makes the graph stretch or shrink in a parabola.  for example.  
1/3x^2 vertically shrinks the graph by a factor of 1/3 creating a broader parabola.  it seems fatter

while 2x^2 vertically stretches the graph by a factor of 2 creating a narrower parabola.  it is skinner.

does this help?