Question: If the parabola y = ax^2 + bx + c has its vertex at (1, -2), what is the value of a if it passes through the point (0, 0)?
Options:
Correct Answer: 2
Solution:
Using the vertex form y = a(x - 1)^2 - 2 and substituting (0, 0), we get 0 = a(0 - 1)^2 - 2 => 2 = a => a = 2.