Now let's look at what happens to the graph of y = ax2 when the value of a is between 0 and 1.

Click on the link below to access an online graphing calculator.

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At any time you may click on "Show Tabular Data" to see a table of values.

Directions:

  1. Enter x2 in the y(x) field and then click on Plot/Update to graph the equation.
  2. Go to the next line in the y(x) field and enter 1 2 x2. Then click on Plot/Update. (You can enter the fraction by using the / key on your keyboard.)
  3. Go to the 3rd line in the y(x) field and enter 1 6 x2. Then click on Plot/Update.
  4. Go to the 4th line in the y(x) field and enter 1 10 x2. Then click on Plot/Update.
  5. In your notes, describe how changing the coefficient of x from "1" to a number greater than 0 but less than 1 affects the graph. (Use the words narrower or wider.)
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Check Your Answer

When the value of a is a fraction between 0 and 1, the smaller the fraction, the wider the graph of the function. Close Pop Up