The vertex of this parabola is at (-2, - 3) when the y value is - 5 and the x value is - 1 what is the coefficient of the squared expression

a = - 2

Step-by-step explanation:

The equation of a parabola in vertex form is

y = a (x - h) ² + k

where (h, k) are the coordinates of the vertex and a is a multiplier

here (h, k) = ( - 2, - 3), hence

y = a (x + 2) ² - 3

To find a substitute x = - 1, y = - 5 into the equation

- 5 = a - 3 ⇒ a = - 5 + 3 = - 2

The coefficient of the squared expression is - 2