Question 4164
The function:  f(x) = x^2 + 2x - 8  is that of a parabola that opens upward (the coefficient of x^2 is positive (+1))and therefore has a vertex that is a minimum. 

The x-coordinate of the vertex is given by:  x = -b/2a

So the x-coordinate of the vertex is: x = -(2)/2(1) = -1  Substitute this into the equation to find the y-coordinte:  y = (-1)^2 + 2(-1) - 8 = 1 - 2 - 8 = 9

So the minimum (vertex) is at (-1, 9)