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What is the standard form of the equation y = 5x2 - 4x - 9?

  1. y = x2 + 5x - 9

  2. y = 5x - 9

  3. y = x2 - 4x + 9

  4. y = 5x2 + 4x - 9

The correct answer is: y = 5x2 + 4x - 9

The standard form of an equation is when the variables are arranged in descending order and the constant term is on the right side of the equation. In this case, the correct answer is D because it follows the general form of y = ax2 + bx + c, with 5x2 as the leading term, -4x as the middle term, and -9 as the constant term. Option A is incorrect because the middle term is positive, while in the standard form it should be negative. Option B is incorrect because it is missing the squared term, which is necessary for an equation to be in standard form. Option C is incorrect because the constant term is positive instead of negative, as seen in the correct answer. Hence, the correct option is D as it follows the standard form of the equation.