The vertex of this parabola is at (-5,-2). when the x-value is -4, the y-value is 2. what is the coefficient of the squared expression in the parabola's equation

Vertex:  (-5,-2); parabola opens up; 

General form of the equation for a vertical parabola opening up is:

y-k = a(x-h)^2; knowing that the vertex is at (-5,-2), we can write:

y+2 = a(x+5)^2.  We need to find the value of the coefficient a.

From the graph we see that y is 10 when x is approx. -1 3/4 (or -7/4).

subst. these values into y+2 = a(x+5)^2, we get:

10 + 2 = a(-7/4 + 5)^2, or 12 = a(13/4)^2, or   1 = a(169/16).

Solving for a:  a = 16/169 = 0.09, or approx 16/160, or 1/10.  Unfortunately, this is not close to any of the four answer choices.

I thought it best to try again, and fortunately my second try was correct:

10+2 = a(13/4)^2, or  (169/16)a.  Thus, 12 = a(169/16)

                                   12
Solving for a:  a = = 1.14.  The answer choice closest to this is 1.
                                169/16

Answer A is correct.