The problem gives a quadratic equation $y = -1.4x^2 - 6x - 23$ in standard form. We need to find the y-intercept of the graph of this equation. We also need to determine whether the parabola opens upward or downward.

1. Problem Description

The problem gives a quadratic equation $y = -1.4x^2 - 6x - 23$ in standard form. We need to find the y-intercept of the graph of this equation. We also need to determine whether the parabola opens upward or downward.

2. Solution Steps

To find the y-intercept, we set $x = 0$ in the equation and solve for $y$.

$y = -1.4(0)^2 - 6(0) - 23$

$y = -1.4(0) - 0 - 23$

$y = 0 - 0 - 23$

$y = -23$

So the y-intercept is $-23$.

The general form of a quadratic equation is $y = ax^2 + bx + c$.

The coefficient $a$ determines whether the parabola opens upwards or downwards.

If $a > 0$, the parabola opens upwards.

If $a < 0$, the parabola opens downwards.

In the given equation, $y = -1.4x^2 - 6x - 23$, $a = -1.4$. Since $a < 0$, the parabola opens downwards.

3. Final Answer

y-intercept: -23

The parabola opens downward.