Question 624098
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*[tex \LARGE \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ f(x)\ =\ a(x\ -\ h)^2\ +\ k]


is the vertex form of a parabola with vertex at *[tex \LARGE (h, k)].  Re-write your function as:


*[tex \LARGE \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ f(x)\ =\ \frac{1}{3}\left(x\ -\ (-8)\right)^2\ +\ 9]


and you can determine the coordinates of the vertex by inspection.


The line of symmetry is the vertical line through the vertex.  The lead coefficient is positive, so the parabola opens upward and therefore the vertex is a minimum.  The *[tex \LARGE y]-coordinate of the vertex is the minimum value of the function.


John
*[tex \LARGE e^{i\pi}\ +\ 1\ =\ 0]
My calculator said it, I believe it, that settles it
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