Question

What is the a value of the following function?

1/3

1/2

3

2

Answer 1

I don't understand it.

Answer 2

1/2

Answer 3

Thanks. How did you get that?

Answer 4

hint: solve y = ax^2 for 'a' when x = 1, y = 2 (notice how the point (1,2) lies on the parabola)

Answer 5

Oh ok, how does that mean it is 1/2?

Answer 6

it's not 1/2

Answer 7

that person probably just guessed

Answer 8

Oh thank you. How do I figure out the answer?

Answer 9

y = ax^2
2 = a*1^2
a = ???

Answer 10

What is a?

Answer 11

I don't understand the equation

Answer 12

y = x^2 is the parent function of any quadratic

Answer 13

y = ax^2 vertically stretches or compresses the parabola y = x^2

Answer 14

the 'a' determines how stretched it is

Answer 15

Oh ok

Answer 16

would it be 1/3?

Answer 17

you have to solve the equation 2 = a*1^2

since 1^2 is the same as 1, you solve 2 = a*1

Answer 18

have a look at this page

http://www.purplemath.com/modules/grphquad2.htm

Answer 19

Ohh 2

Answer 20

yes

Answer 21

Thank you :)

Answer 22

yw