What causes parabolas to expand and contract?

1 Answer
Jun 24, 2018

The coefficient of #x^2# affects expansion and contraction. See explanation.

Explanation:

In the graph #y=ax^2#, if #a > 1#, the curve looks more "squeezed" and if #0 < a < 1#, the curve looks more "expanded".

#y=x^2#
graph{x^2 [-10.17, 9.83, -1.04, 8.96]}
#y=5x^2#
graph{5x^2 [-10.25, 9.75, -0.48, 9.52]}
#y=1/5x^2#
graph{1/5x^2 [-10.29, 9.71, 0.08, 10.08]}

P.S. Sorry if this isn't the answer you were talking for.