SOLUTION: Breifly discuss the effect of the sign of the coefficient a on the graph of y=ax^2+bx+c. Please include two example of graph to support your thoughts one where a<0 and one where a>

Algebra ->  Quadratic Equations and Parabolas  -> Quadratic Equations Lessons  -> Quadratic Equation Lesson -> SOLUTION: Breifly discuss the effect of the sign of the coefficient a on the graph of y=ax^2+bx+c. Please include two example of graph to support your thoughts one where a<0 and one where a>      Log On


   

Question 461169: Breifly discuss the effect of the sign of the coefficient a on the graph of y=ax^2+bx+c. Please include two example of graph to support your thoughts one where a<0 and one where a>0. If you do not include the actual graph, please describe your examples in detail with words.
Answer by stanbon(75887) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
If "a" is positive the graph (parabola) opens up and has a minimum
point at its vertex.
Examples: y = x^2 ; y = 2x^2-4
graph%28400%2C300%2C-10%2C10%2C-10%2C10%2Cx%5E2%2C+2x%5E2-4%29
=========================
If "a" is negative the graph (parabola) opens down and has a
maximum point at its vertex.
Examples: y = -x^2 ; y = -2x^2+4
graph%28400%2C+300%2C-10%2C10%2C-10%2C10%2C-x%5E2%2C+-2x%5E2%2B4%29
----
Cheers,
Stan H.