How do you find the vertex of #y = x^2 + 2x - 3#?

1 Answer
Jan 23, 2017

When given an equation of a parabola, #y(x) = ax^2 + bx + c#, the x coordinate of the vertex, #h = -b/(2a)#, and the y coordinate, #k = y(h)#

Explanation:

For the given equation, #a = 1, b = 2, and c = -3#

The x coordinate is:

#h = -b/(2a)#

#h = -2/(2(1))#

#h = -1#

The y coordinate is:

#k = y(-1)#

#k = (-1)^2 + 2(-1) - 3#

#k = -4#

The vertex is the point #(-1,-4)#