Question

The vertex of this parabola is at (-3, -1). When the y-value is 0, the x-value is 4. What is the coefficient of the squared term in the parabola’s equation?

Answer 1

Answer:

$\frac{1}{49}$

Step-by-step explanation:

The equation of a parabola in vertex form is

y = a(x - h)² + k

where (h, k) are the coordinates of the vertex and a is a multiplier

here (h, k) = (- 3, - 1), thus

y = a(x + 3)² - 1

To find a substitute (4, 0) into the equation

0 = 49a - 1 ( add 1 to both sides )

49a = 1 ( divide both sides by 49 )

a = $\frac{1}{49}$

y = $\frac{1}{49}$(x + 3)² - 1

coefficient of the x² term is $\frac{1}{49}$