What is the vertex form of #y= 2x^2-16x+32 #?

1 Answer
Mar 2, 2018

#y=2(x-4)^2#

Explanation:

To find the vertex form, you need to complete the square. So set the equation equal to zero, then separate the coefficient of x, which is 2:
#0=x^2-8x+16#
Move the ones (16) to the other side, then add "c" to complete the square.
#-16+c=x^2-8x+c#

To find c, you need to divide the middle number by 2, and then square that number. so because #-8/2=-4#, when you square that you get that c is 16. So add 16 to both sides:
#0=x^2-8x+16#
Because #x^2-8x+16# is a perfect square, you can factor that into #(x-4)^2# .

Then you need to multiply the coefficient back into the equation:
#0=2(x-4)^2# Normally you would move the ones back over, but in this case the vertex is (4,0), so you don't need to do that. Then set the equation to y and you're done.