How do I find the vertex of y=(x+7)^2?

1 Answer
Oct 26, 2014

The equation is in vertex form (y = a(x-h)^2 + k) where the vertex is (h, k). Since the original form has you subtracting h, h more than likely has an opposite sign then what is in the equation. In the example, 7 is being added so therefore h = - 7. Since nothing is being added to the equation, k = 0. Therefore the vertex of y = (x +7)^2 is (-7, 0).

Here are some other examples to help you:

y = -2 (x - 4)^2 - 3 has h = 4 and k= -3, so the vertex is (4,-3).

y = 4(x + 1)^2 + 5 has h = -1 and k = 5, so the vertex is (-1,5).