Given that a real-coefficient quadratic polynomial function $f ( x )$ satisfies $f ( - 1 ) = k , f ( 1 ) = 9 k , f ( 3 ) = - 15 k$, where $k > 0$. Let the $x$-coordinate of the vertex of the graph of $y = f ( x )$ be $a$. Select the correct option.
(1) $a \leq - 1$
(2) $- 1 < a < 1$
(3) $a = 1$
(4) $1 < a < 3$
(5) $3 \leq a$
Given that a real-coefficient quadratic polynomial function $f ( x )$ satisfies $f ( - 1 ) = k , f ( 1 ) = 9 k , f ( 3 ) = - 15 k$, where $k > 0$. Let the $x$-coordinate of the vertex of the graph of $y = f ( x )$ be $a$. Select the correct option.\\
(1) $a \leq - 1$\\
(2) $- 1 < a < 1$\\
(3) $a = 1$\\
(4) $1 < a < 3$\\
(5) $3 \leq a$