Comparing Graphs

How do the graphs of y=x^2 and y=3x^2 compare?

 

Plot both graphs.

y=x^2

x = 1 → (1, 1)

x = 2 → (2, 4)

x = -2→ (-2, 4)

x = -1 → (-1, 1)

x = 3 → (3, 9)

x = -3 → (-3, 9)

x = 4 → (4, 16)

x = -4 → (-4, 16)

x = 0 → (0, 0)

 

y=3x^2

x = 0 → (0, 0)

x = 1 → (1, 3)

x = 2 → (2, 12)

x = 3 → (3, 27)

x = 4 → (4, 48)

x = -1 → (-1, 3)

x = -2 → (-2, 12)

x = -3 → (-3, 27)

x = -4 → (-4, 48)

 

The y=3x^2 plot grows faster. This is because of the 3 coefficient. y=3x^2 is narrower which is a sign of fast growth.