Stage 23 · Quadratic Functions

23.2.2 a Controls How Narrow or Wide

23.2 First Look at the Graph: The Shape of a Parabola

Point 2 of 5

23.2.2 a Controls How Narrow or Wide

Core idea

The larger |a| is the narrower and steeper the bowl, the smaller it is the wider and gentler — a works like a dial for the opening.

Module goal. Start from the simplest form y=ax², understand which way it opens and how wide, and build an intuitive picture of the parabola.
eastmath.com · 23.2 First Look at the Graph: The Shape of a Parabola · 23.2.2 a Controls How Narrow or Wide