Question 877620
Plot it on the X-Y plane
The general equation is:
{{{ y = a*x^2 + b*x + c }}}
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A very simple parabola will
have {{{ b = 0 }}} and {{{ c = 0 }}}
So, you have:
{{{ y = a*x^2 }}}
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A good way to think about {{{ a }}} is:
(1) A small {{{ a }}} gives you a
wide parabola
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(2) A large {{{ a }}} gives you a
narrow parabola
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Here's a plot with {{{ a = 1/4 }}}
{{{ graph( 400, 400, -10, 10, -10, 10, (1/4)*x^2 ) }}}
Here's a plot with {{{ a = 5 }}}
{{{ graph( 400, 400, -10, 10, -10, 10, 5*x^2 ) }}}