SOLUTION: With the vertex formula what does the "a" do exactly. I understand that if a>0 it opens upwards and a<0 it opens downwards. But what does the numerical part mean. Say if it's 4(x-3

Algebra ->  Functions -> SOLUTION: With the vertex formula what does the "a" do exactly. I understand that if a>0 it opens upwards and a<0 it opens downwards. But what does the numerical part mean. Say if it's 4(x-3      Log On


   

Question 907209: With the vertex formula what does the "a" do exactly. I understand that if a>0 it opens upwards and a<0 it opens downwards. But what does the numerical part mean. Say if it's 4(x-3)^2+10 what would the 4 do to the graph of the function?

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Answer by josgarithmetic(39618) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The factor "a" stretches or shrink the graph vertically. abs%28a%29%3E1, stretches the graph. abs%28a%29%3C1, shrinks the graph.