Answer:4
Step-by-step explanation:
The equation of a vertical parabola is:
y = a (x − h)² + k,
where (h, k) is the vertex and a is the coefficient.
We know the vertex is (-5, -2), so:
y = a (x − (-5))² + (-2)
y = a (x + 5)² − 2
We also know the parabola passes through (-4, 2).
2 = a (-4 + 5)² − 2
2 = a (1)² − 2
2 = a − 2
a = 4
So the coefficient of the squared expression is 4.
