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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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Q: What direction does the parabola open?
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The equation y -3x2 describes a parabola. Which way does the parabola open?

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.


What is the focus of a parabola?

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)


What is the midpoint of the parabola between the focus and the directrix?

It is the apex of the parabola.


Does a parabola have to have an x-intercept?

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.


What is the parabola?

A parabola is a type of graph that is not linear, and mostly curved. A parabola has the "x squared" sign in it's equation. A parabola is not only curved, but all the symmetrical. The symmetrical point, the middle of the parabola is called the vertex. You can graph this graph with the vertex, x-intercepts and a y-intercept. A parabola that has a positive x squared would be a smile parabola, and the one with the negative x squared would be a frown parabola. Also, there are the parabolas that are not up or down, but sideways Those parabolas have x=y squared, instead of y = x squared.

Related questions

In which direction does the parabola?

A parabola can open left, down, right, or left on a graph, if that's what you mean:\


Can a parabola shape be in any direction?

Yes, but a parabola, itself, can have only a vertical line of symmetry.


How does the value of a variable affect the direction the parabola opens?

If the value of the variable is negative then the parabola opens downwards and when the value of variable is positive the parabola opens upward.


if the parabola open upward a is?

positive.


In which direction does the parabola that is given by the equation below open..... x equals -2.5 parenthese y - 3 end parenthese squared plus 5?

Left


The equation below describes a parabola. If a is negative which way does the parabola open y ax2?

Down


What is the area of the inside of a parabola?

Since a parabola is an open infinite curve, the area inside it is infinite.


Where is the line of symmety located on a parabola?

The line of symmetry located on a parabola is right down the center. A parabola is a U shape. Depending on the direction of the parabola it either has a x axis of symmetry or y axis of symmetry. You should have two equal sides of the parabola.


What way does a parabola open if a is negative?

Downwards


What way does the parabola open if a is greater than 0?

If a is greater than zero then the parabola opens upward.


How do you calculate surface area of a parabola?

A parabola is a two dimensional open curve. Its area is therefore infinite.


Is it true graph is reflected about the x-axis and the parabola opens down?

No. A parabola can open up or down.