SOLUTION: What do I do if there is a number before the y for a parabola. for example: 3y=(x-5)^2-6. I do not know what to do with the 3

Algebra ->  Quadratic-relations-and-conic-sections -> SOLUTION: What do I do if there is a number before the y for a parabola. for example: 3y=(x-5)^2-6. I do not know what to do with the 3      Log On


   

Question 386220: What do I do if there is a number before the y for a parabola. for example: 3y=(x-5)^2-6. I do not know what to do with the 3
Answer by tara0066(31) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
You will have to divide by 3 for everything. Your result will be y=1/3(x-5)^2-2
Doesn't effect your graph's vertex. Just changes the width of the parabola.
The 1/3 does effect the parenthesis, if you would distribute that out. But in this case and for the sake of making this problem as easy as we can make it-you will just leave it out front. Very common to have a number out front there. Just explains the width of this parabola compared to a parent graph. Then if it is a negative number it tells you to flip your parabola so it opens down. Hope that helps.