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Ch. 3 - Polynomial and Rational Functions
Chapter 4, Problem 5

Fill in the blank(s) to correctly complete each sentence. The vertex of the graph of ƒ(x) = x^2 + 2x + 4 has x-coordinate ____ .

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Vertex of a Quadratic Function

The vertex of a quadratic function in the form f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c represents the highest or lowest point on the graph, depending on the direction of the parabola. The x-coordinate of the vertex can be found using the formula x = -b/(2a), where a and b are the coefficients from the quadratic equation.
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Vertex Form

Standard Form of a Quadratic Function

A quadratic function is typically expressed in standard form as f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c, where a, b, and c are constants. The value of 'a' determines the direction of the parabola (upward if a > 0, downward if a < 0), while 'b' and 'c' influence the position of the vertex and the y-intercept.
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Converting Standard Form to Vertex Form

Completing the Square

Completing the square is a method used to transform a quadratic equation into vertex form, which makes it easier to identify the vertex. This technique involves rewriting the quadratic expression by adding and subtracting the square of half the coefficient of x, allowing for a clearer understanding of the graph's features, including the vertex.
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Solving Quadratic Equations by Completing the Square