Question 130290
Using the general equation {{{y=ax^2+bx+c}}} we can use this to determine the direction in which the parabola opens up. 


Remember if {{{a>0}}} (ie "a" is a positive number), then the parabola opens up like this


{{{graph( 500, 500, -10, 10, -10, 10, x^2) }}}



On the other hand, if  {{{a<0}}} (ie "a" is a negative number), then the parabola opens down like this


{{{graph( 500, 500, -10, 10, -10, 10, -x^2) }}}




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Answer:


So in our case {{{a=-0.2}}} which is less than zero. So the parabola opens down.