8
advanced-math

Which graph is widest?

A

y=0.1x2y = 0.1x^2

B

y=x2y = x^2

C

y=2x2y = 2x^2

D

y=10x2y = 10x^2

Correct Answer: A

Choice A is the correct answer. The width of a parabola is determined by the absolute value of the leading coefficient a|a|.

  • Smaller a|a|\rightarrow Wider graph.
  • Larger a|a|\rightarrow Narrower graph.

Comparing values: 0.1<1<2<100.1 < 1 < 2 < 10. So 0.10.1 produces the widest graph.

Choice B is incorrect because 1>0.11 > 0.1. Choice C is incorrect because 2>0.12 > 0.1. Choice D is incorrect because 10>0.110 > 0.1 (narrowest).