Question 81612
2) For the function y = x^2 - 4x - 5, perform the following tasks:
a) Put the function in the form y = a(x - h)2 + k.
Answer: 
Show work in this space 
y = x^2-4x+4-5-4
y = (x-2)^2 - 9




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



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. 
The vertex is at (h,k) ; A determines if the parabola opens up or down.


Explanation of graphing. 




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

y = (x-2)^2 - 9

The (x-2)^2 moves x^2 two to the right.
The -9 moves the graph down 9.
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y =  x^2 - 4x - 5
{{{graph(400,300,-10,10,-10,10,x^2-4x-5)}}}

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Cheers,
Stan H.