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Expert: - 1/4/2005


Question
Dear Abe i would like to know about this question algebra II. I'm not an student I just start reading something about algebra and i have this question. please can you answer it? Thanks.

 How do the changes in the equation affect the graph of a parabola?

Answer
Hello Nelly,

If you express a parabola as:
y=a(x-h)^2+k, then if
a<0 the parabola is "upside down"
the larger |a| is the narrower is the parabola
h>0 the parabola is shifted "h" units to the right
h<0 the parabola is shifted "h" units to the left
k is the vertical shift.

Check these web-sites:
http://www.sparknotes.com/math/algebra1/quadratics/section1.html
http://www.webmath.com/parabolas.html
http://www.dfstermole.net/parabolas/

Good luck!

Abe

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Abe Mantell

Expertise

Hello, I am a college professor of mathematics and regularly teach all levels from elementary mathematics through differential equations, and would be happy to assist anyone with such questions!

Experience

Over 15 years teaching at the college level.

Organizations belong to
NCTM, NYSMATYC, AMATYC, MAA, NYSUT, AFT.

Education/Credentials
B.S. in Mathematics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
M.S. (and A.B.D.) in Applied Mathematics from SUNY @ Stony Brook

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