Use the equation to determine whether the parabola opens upward or downward.
A) upward
B) downward

Question

Use the equation to determine whether the parabola opens upward or downward. 
A) upward 
B) downward

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The equation of a parabola in standard form y = ax^2 + bx + c indicates the direction of its opening. If the coefficient of x^2 (a) is positive, then the parabola opens upward, and if it is negative, then it opens downward. In this case, the coefficient of x^2 is negative (-3), so the parabola opens downward. Therefore, the correct choice is B.

Use the Equation to Determine Whether the Parabola Opens Upward