9-5 Notes B Algebra

Vertex Form of a Quadratic Equation

Standard form of a parabola: y = ax2 + bx + c

Vertex form of a parabola: 𝑦 = (𝑥 − ℎ) + 𝑘 where (h, k) is the vertex.

Example 1 – Finding the VERTEX of a parabola by completing the square.

Find the vertex of the parabola: 𝒚 = 𝒙𝟐 + 𝟔𝒙 + 𝟖

Step 1: Isolate both x2 and bx terms on one side of the equal sign.

Step 2: Complete the square by finding (b/2)2 .

Step 3: Add this number both sides of the equation.

Step 4: Factor the perfect-square trinomial.

Step 5: Solve for y to put into vertex form.

Step 6: Determine the vertex (h, k). *Note: Use opposite sign for h.

You Try: Find the vertex of the following quadratic functions:

a.) 𝑦 = 𝑥 + 4𝑥 + 10 b.) 𝑦 = 𝑥 + 12𝑥 + 34
Practice:
Determine the coordinates of the vertex of the parabola by writing the equation in vertex form.

1. y = x2 + 10x + 7 2. y = x2 + 6x – 3 3. y = x2 – 4x + 12

4. y = x2 + 6x + 2 5. y = x2 + 2x – 5 6. y = x2 – 8x – 1

7. y = x2 + 20x + 30 8. y = x2 - 12x – 7 9. y = x2 – 16x + 10

Hint for #10,11, and 12: Divide each term by the GCF first.

10. 2y = 2x2 + 8x + 6 11. 3y = 3x2 + 6x – 3 12. -y = -x2 – 6x + 2