If the equation of the parabola isy = ax^2 + bx + c, then it opens above when a>0 and opens below when a<0. [If a = 0 then the equation describes a straight line, and not a parabola!].
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The given terms can't be an equation without an equality sign but a negative parabola opens down wards whereas a positive parabola opens up wards.
The focus of a parabola is a fixed point that lies on the axis of the parabola "p" units from the vertex. It can be found by the parabola equations in standard form: (x-h)^2=4p(y-k) or (y-k)^2=4p(x-h) depending on the shape of the parabola. The vertex is defined by (h,k). Solve for p and count that many units from the vertex in the direction away from the directrix. (your focus should be inside the curve of your parabola)
It is the apex of the parabola.
No, a parabola does not have to have an x-intercept. ex. -2(x-2)^2 - 4 is a parabola that has no x-intercept.
A vertex is the highest or lowest point in a parabola.