Y = a (x-3) ^2-1. What is the value of a?

Let's solve for a. y = a (x-3) 2 - 1 Step 1: Flip the equation. a x2 - 6a x + 9a - 1 = y Step 2: Add 1 to both sides. a x2 - 6a x + 9a - 1 + 1 = y+1 a x2 - 6a x + 9a = y+1 Step 3: Factor out variable a. a (x2 - 6x + 9) = y+1 Step 4: Divide both sides by x^2-6x+9. a (x2 - 6x + 9) x2 - 6x + 9 = y+1 x2 - 6x + 9 a = y+1 x2 - 6x + 9 Answer: a = y+1 x2 - 6x + 9