Question

The equation below describes a parabola. If a is positive, which way does the parabola open? y = ax2

Answer 1

Answer:

The parabola open upward

Step-by-step explanation:

we know that

The equation in vertex form of a vertical parabola is equal to

$y=a(x-h)^{2}+k$

where

(h,k) is the vertex of the parabola

If $a>0$ -----> the parabola open upward and the vertex is a minimum

If $a$ -----> the parabola open downward and the vertex is a maximum

In this problem we have

$y=ax^{2}$   and $a>0$

so

Is a vertical parabola

The vertex is the origin $(0,0)$

The parabola open upward

The vertex is a minimum

Answer 2

We have two options in the case of the equation for parabola y=ax²:

1) in the case that a is negative the parabola opens down

2) in the case that a is positive the parabola opens up

So the correct answer is: if a is positive, the parabola opens up.