The vertex of this parabola is at (3,-2). When the x-value is 4, the y-value is 3: (4,3) is a point on the parabola. Let's use the standard equation of a parabola in vertex form:
y-k = a(x-h)^2, where (h,k) is the vertex (here (3,-2)) and (x,y): (4,3) is another point on the parabola. Since (3,-2) is the lowest point of the parabola, and (4,3) is thus higher up, we know that the parabola opens up.
Substituting the given info into the equation y-k = a(x-h)^2, we get:
3-[-2] = a(4-3)^2, or 5 = a(1)^2. Thus, a = 5, and the equation of the parabola is
y+2 = 5(x-3)^2 The coefficient of the x^2 term is thus 5.
