How do you do this graphing problem for algebra?

Question

y=-1/2x^2 +3

Determine whether the graph of each parabola opens upward or downward??

Answer 1

If the coefficient of the x^2 term is negative it opens downward

(positive it opens upward)

Answer 2

"A" is negative ... has a max point .... opens down

[Ax^2 + bx +c] ...A = direction

Answer 3

I have a graphics calculator so I just plugged the eqaution in for y. The parabola opens downward with a y-interceot of 3. Here are some points

x     y

-3  -1.5

-2  1

-1  2.5

0   3

1   2.5

2  1

3  -1.5