In the quadratic function y = ax^2 + bx + c, what determines which direction the parabola opens?

Unlock all questions

This demo includes only 20 questions. Upgrade to access hundreds of questions, flashcards, exam simulations, and disable ads.

Full question bankExam simulationsFlashcards
From $25.99Unlock all

Prepare for the Praxis Middle School Mathematics Exam with quizzes. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question provides hints and detailed explanations. Ensure success on your test!

Multiple Choice

In the quadratic function y = ax^2 + bx + c, what determines which direction the parabola opens?

Explanation:
The direction a parabola opens is determined by the sign of the leading coefficient a. If a is positive, the graph opens upward, and if a is negative, it opens downward. This happens because for large absolute values of x, the ax^2 term dominates the expression, and its sign dictates whether y goes to positive infinity or negative infinity on both ends. The other numbers, b and c, shift the graph left or right, up or down, or change its width, but they don’t change which way the parabola opens.

The direction a parabola opens is determined by the sign of the leading coefficient a. If a is positive, the graph opens upward, and if a is negative, it opens downward. This happens because for large absolute values of x, the ax^2 term dominates the expression, and its sign dictates whether y goes to positive infinity or negative infinity on both ends. The other numbers, b and c, shift the graph left or right, up or down, or change its width, but they don’t change which way the parabola opens.

More Multiple Choice Questions
Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy