Question

A student is asked to find the vertex of a parabola whose equation is as follows: y = 3 * (x + 4) ^ 2 - 2 The student concludes the vertex is at (4, - 2) . the student correct? If not, what do you think the student did wrong? Explain with as much relevant mathematical detail as possible. Please use at least 3 sentences total in your answer

Answer 1

Explanation:

the general equation of a parabola is

y = a(x – h)² + k.

(h, k) is the vertex of the parabola.

comparing it to

y = 3(x + 4)² - 2

we see that (h, k) = (-4, -2).

the student made a sign mistake. it is "- h" in the squared factor. so, "+4" indicates "-4" as "h".

but the student simply used "+4".