Final answer:
To write the function in vertex form, we need to complete the square and follow a series of steps. This will help us accurately express the quadratic function in the form f(x) = a(x-h)^2 + k.
Step-by-step explanation:
To write the function in vertex form, we need to complete the square. The vertex form of a quadratic function is given by f(x) = a(x-h)^2 + k, where (h,k) represents the vertex of the parabola. To complete the square, we can follow these steps:
- Make sure the coefficient of the quadratic term is 1. In this case, we have x^2 as the quadratic term, so no adjustment is needed.
- Group the linear terms together and leave some space after the quadratic term.
- Take half of the coefficient of the linear term and square it. This will be the value we add and subtract inside the parentheses.
- Write the quadratic term, followed by the adjusted linear terms inside the parentheses, and then add or subtract the calculated value from step 3.
- Simplify the expression inside the parentheses, and factor out any common factors.
By following these steps, we can complete the square and write the function in vertex form.