Question 59229
Given the following quadratic function: f(x) = x ^2 - 2x - 8,

(1) Rewrite the function in vertex form.  Identify the vertex.
Vertex form is: {{{highlight(f(x)=a(x-h)^2+k)}}}, where (h,k)=vertex.
We need to create a perfect square trinomial by adding and subtracting the same number, so you are really only adding 0.
:
f(x)=x^2-2x-8
f(x)=(x^2-2x+__)-___-8  Fill the blanks with (1/2(-2))^2=(-1)^2=1
{{{f(x)=(x^2-2x+1)-1-8}}}
{{{f(x)=(x-1)^2-9}}}
The vertex (h,k)=(1,-9)
Happy Calculating!!!