Final answer:
To rewrite F(x) = -x^2 - 4x + 1 into the form f(x) = a(x - h)^2 + k, you need to complete the square.
The rewritten form is f(x) = -(x + 2)^2 + 5.
Step-by-step explanation:
Let's go step by step:
- First, factor out the coefficient of x^2:
- Next, complete the square by adding and subtracting the square of half the coefficient of x:
- F(x) = -1(x^2 + 4x + (4/2)^2 - (4/2)^2) + 1
- Simplify the expression inside the parentheses:
- F(x) = -1((x + 2)^2 - 4) + 1
- Distribute the -1:
- F(x) = -(x + 2)^2 + 4 + 1
- Combine like terms:
Therefore, the rewritten form of F(x) = -x^2 - 4x + 1 is f(x) = -(x + 2)^2 + 5.