The minimum of a parabola is located at (–1, –3). The point (0, 1) is also on the graph. Which equation can be solved to determine the a value in the function representing the parabola?

Question

1 = a(0 + 1)2 – 3
1 = a(0 – 1)2 + 3
0 = a(1 + 1)2 – 3
0 = a(1 – 1)2 + 3

Answer 1

1 = a(0 + 1)2 – 3

To solve for a, plug in the coordinates of the point (0, 1):

1 = a(0 + 1)2 – 3
1 = a(1)2 – 3
1 = a – 3
4 = a

Therefore, the value of a in the function representing the parabola is 4.