Question

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

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 \(a\)

For the parabola \(x=ay^{2}\), when \(a>0\), the parabola opens to the right. When \(a < 0\), the parabola opens to the left. Since in our problem \(a\) is negative, the parabola opens to the left.

Answer:

B. Left