SOLUTION: Can you please help me with this problem: Find a function whose graph is a parabola with vertex (3,4) and that passes through the point (1,-8).

A parabola with the vertex (3,4) has the form


    y(x) = .


The only unknown is the coefficient "a".


To find it, use the fact that the point (1,-8) lies on the graph.  It gives you an equation


    -8 = ,   or

    -12 = 4a.


Hence,  a =  = -3.


Answer.  The function is  y(x) = .