Question 52432
For the function y =  x2 - 4x - 5, perform the following tasks:
a) 	Put the function in the form y = a(x - h)2 + k.
Answer: a=1, h=2, k=-9

Show work in this space

={x2-2(x)(2)+22}-22-5
	=(x-2)2-9

b) 	What is the equation for the line of symmetry for the graph of this function?
Answer:	x-2=0....or...x=2 is the line of symmetry

c) 	Graph the function using the equation in part a.  Explain why it is not necessary to plot points to graph when using y = a (x – h)2 + k.
Show graph here. 

I am sorry, but my graph won't show. I hope the rest of this info helps you. If you want to graph it yourself the first parabola curves upward touching the (0,0) like a U shape and the next parabola touches the points on the x axis at -1 and -5 and the vetex is at -9. It still curves upward like a U.

Explanation of graphing. 

Draw line of symmetry x=2. Plot vertex at (2,-9). Plot curve symmetrically along the line of symmetry taking the 2 intercept points on the x axis as 
x-2=+3 or -3....that is x=5 and -1

d) 	In your own words, describe how this graph compares to the graph of y = x2?

Answer:	There is a shift in vertex from (0,0) to (2,-9)