1. The problem states that the function $s$ is in the form $$y = ax^2 + c$$ where $a < 0$ and $c > 0$. 2. Important rules for quadratic functions in this form: - The sign of $a$ determines the direction the parabola opens: if $a < 0$, the parabola opens downward. - The value of $c$ is the y-intercept, which is the point where the graph crosses the y-axis (at $x=0$). 3. Since $a < 0$, the parabola opens downward. 4. Since $c > 0$, the parabola crosses the y-axis above 0. 5. From the graph descriptions: - Top-left graph: Parabola opens downward and crosses the y-axis above 0. - Top-right graph: Parabola opens downward and crosses the y-axis below 0. - Bottom-left graph: Parabola opens upward and crosses the y-axis below 0. - Bottom-right graph: Parabola opens downward and crosses the y-axis below 0. 6. The graph that matches $a < 0$ and $c > 0$ is the top-left graph. Final answer: The top-left graph represents the function $s$.