Question

question 9 of 10
the equation below describes a parabola. if a is negative, which way does the parabola open?
$x = ay^{2}$
a. left
b. right
c. up
d. down

Explanation:

Step1: Recall the standard form of a parabola

The equation \(x = ay^{2}\) is a parabola that opens either to the left or to the right.

Step2: Analyze the sign of \(a\)

When \(a>0\), for increasing values of \(|y|\), \(x\) increases. So the parabola \(x = ay^{2}\) opens to the right. When \(a<0\), for increasing values of \(|y|\), \(x\) decreases. So the parabola \(x=ay^{2}\) opens to the left.

Answer:

A. Left