"what is the equation, in standard form, of a parabola that contains the following points?
(–2, 18), (0, 2), (4, 42)
a. y = –2x^2 – 2x – 3
b. y = –3x^2 + 2x – 2
c. y = 3x^2 – 2x + 2
d. y = –2x^2 + 3x + 2"

We have to use these points to verify which of the equations is correct. 
When we use points in 3rd equation:
( -2, 18) : y= 3 * (-2)² - 2* (-2)+2= 12 + 4 + 2 = 18 (true) 
( 0, 2 ) :   y=  3* 0² - 2 * 0 + 2 = 2 (true)
( 4 , 42 ): y= 3 *4²- 2 *4+ 2 = 48 - 8 + 2 = 42 (true) 
The answer is: C) y=3 x² - 2 x + 2  

C. a,b, and d are not numbers. they are expressions.