How To Convert An Equation Into Vertex Form

Parabola equations are written in the standard form of y=ax^2+bx+c. This form can tell you if the parabola opens up or down and, with a simple calculation, can tell you what the axis of symmetry is. While this is a common form to see an equation for a parabola in, there is another form that can give you a little more information about the parabola. The vertex form tells you the vertex of the parabola, which way it opens, and whether it is a wide or narrow parabola.

Step 1

Using the standard equation of y=ax^2+bx+c, find the x value of the vertex point by plugging the a and b coefficients into the formula x= -b/2a.

For example:

y=3x^2+6x+8 x= -6/(2*3) = -6/6 = -1

Step 2

Substitute the found value of x into the original equation to find the value of y.

y= 3(-1)^2+6(-1)+8 y= 3-6+8 y= 5

The values of x and y are the coordinates of the vertex. In this case, the vertex is at (-1,5).

Step 3

Insert the vertex coordinates into the equation y= a(x-h)^2 + k, where h is the x-value and k is the y-value. The value of a comes from the original equation.

y = 3(x+1)^2+5 This is the vertex form of the parabola's equation.

(The h is a +1 in the equation because a negative in front of the -1 makes it positive.)

Step 4

To convert the vertex form back to standard form, simply square the binomial, distribute a, and add the constants.

y=3(x+1)^2+5 y=3(x^2+2x+1)+5 y=3x^2+6x+3+5 y=3x^2+6x+8

This is the original standard form of the equation.