Final answer:
To rewrite the equation in vertex form, follow these steps: factor out the coefficient of x^2, complete the square, rearrange the terms, and simplify to obtain the equation in vertex form. The resulting equation is y = (1/3)(x + 6)^2 - 5.
Step-by-step explanation:
To rewrite the equation in vertex form, we can complete the square. The vertex form of a quadratic equation is y = a(x - h)^2 + k, where (h, k) is the vertex of the parabola. Let's go through the steps:
- Start with the given equation: y = (1/3)x^2 + 4x + 7
- Factor out the coefficient of x^2 (1/3): y = (1/3)(x^2 + 12x + 21)
- To complete the square, take half of the coefficient of x (12/2 = 6) and square it (6^2 = 36).
- Add and subtract the value obtained in step 3 inside the bracket: y = (1/3)(x^2 + 12x + 36 - 36 + 21)
- Rearrange the terms: y = (1/3)(x^2 + 12x + 36 - 36 + 21)
- A factor of (x + 6)^2 is obtained by taking the square root of the first three terms: y = (1/3)((x + 6)^2 - 15)
- Simplify and rewrite the equation in vertex form: y = (1/3)(x + 6)^2 - 5