Question

in the quadratic equation $y = ax^2 + bx + c$, what happens to the parabola if $a$ is positive?

a. it opens upwards
b. it does not open
c. it remains constant
d. it opens downwards

Explanation:

For a quadratic function \( y = ax^2 + bx + c \), the coefficient \( a \) determines the direction the parabola opens. If \( a>0 \) (positive), the parabola opens upwards. If \( a < 0\) (negative), it opens downwards. So when \( a \) is positive, the parabola opens upwards.

Answer:

a. It opens upwards