SOLUTION: find the vertex, the line of symmetry, the maximum or minimum value of the quadratic function, and graph the function. f(x)=x^2-4x-1 Please help me solve.

Algebra ->  Algebra  -> Quadratic Equations and Parabolas  -> Quadratic Equation Customizable Word Problems -> SOLUTION: find the vertex, the line of symmetry, the maximum or minimum value of the quadratic function, and graph the function. f(x)=x^2-4x-1 Please help me solve.      Log On

Ad: You enter your algebra equation or inequality - Algebrator solves it step-by-step while providing clear explanations. Free on-line demo .
Ad: Algebra Solved!™: algebra software solves algebra homework problems with step-by-step help!
Ad: Algebrator™ solves your algebra problems and provides step-by-step explanations!

   

Question 262790: find the vertex, the line of symmetry, the maximum or minimum value of the quadratic function, and graph the function.
f(x)=x^2-4x-1
Please help me solve.
Answer by drk(1908) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
First we must put this equation into vertex form. To do that we need to complete the square. I will jump right to vertex form as
y+=+%28x-2%29%5E2-5
Now, we have the vertex as (2, -5)
line of symmetry is the x-value of the vertex or x = 2.
Since the equation starts with (+), then the minimum will be at the vertex at (2,-5)
here is the graph

+graph%28+300%2C+200%2C+-10%2C+10%2C+-10%2C+10%2C+x%5E2-4x-1%29+