SOLUTION: given a quadratic equation in standard form y=ax^2+bx+c, explain what the coefficient of x^2 tells you

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Question 248159: given a quadratic equation in standard form y=ax^2+bx+c, explain what the coefficient of x^2 tells you
Answer by Fombitz(32388) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Positive coefficient "a" means the curve opens upwards (like a cup sitting on a table).
Large absolute value of a means "skinnier" graph compared to x^2 (green graph a=10).
Small absolute value of "a" means "wider" graph compared to x^2 (blue graph a=0.1).
+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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Negative coefficient "a" means the curve opens downwards.
+graph%28+300%2C+300%2C+-5%2C+5%2C+-10%2C+10%2C+-x%5E2%2C+-10x%5E2%2C+-0.1x%5E2%29+