The graph of a parabola is represented by the equation y=ax^2 where a is a positive integer. If a is multiplied by 2, the new parabola would become?

I said wider and open upward. Is that correct?

Question

The graph of a parabola is represented by the equation y=ax^2 where a is a positive integer. If a is multiplied by 2, the new parabola would become?

I said wider and open upward. Is that correct?

whpalmer4 · Answer

Well, let's work it out.  

x     y=x^2    y = 2x^2
-3         9          18
-2        4           8
-1        1           2
0         0           0
1          1          2
2         4          8
3          9         18

If you graph those points, do you agree with your answer?