Answer: The answer is f(x) = - 2x²+12x-22.
Step-by-step explanation: We are given to write the function describing a parabola with vertex (3, -4) and passing through the point (5, -12).
We know that the standard form of a parabola with vertex (h, k) is given by
![f(x)-k=a(x-h)^2.](https://img.qammunity.org/2020/formulas/mathematics/high-school/iu09s37wr2r3jrfnomhsufs3a7348tynal.png)
Here (h, k) = (3, -4), so we have
![f(x)-(-4)=a(x-3)^2\\\\\Rightarrow f(x)+4=a(x-3)^2.~~~~~~~~~~~(I)](https://img.qammunity.org/2020/formulas/mathematics/high-school/qd26jdgfz0rfgnad65mz517rmonzd1o41l.png)
Also, the parabola is passing through the point (5, -12), so
![-12+4=a(5-3)^2\\\\\Rightarrow -8=a* 4\\\\\Rightarrow a=-2.](https://img.qammunity.org/2020/formulas/mathematics/high-school/s1a88q60mxr26nsl89y3y18rbbgxx0h9vv.png)
Substituting the value of 'a' above in equation (I), we have
![f(x)+4=-2(x-3)^2\\\\\Rightarrow f(x)=-2(x^2-6x+9)-4\\\\\Rightarrow f(x)=-2x^2+12x-22.](https://img.qammunity.org/2020/formulas/mathematics/high-school/el4qvmw89oevosnwgmc13xx335qmsp4crl.png)
Thus, the answer is f(x) = - 2x²+12x-22..