Suppose a parabola has an axis of symmetry at x = –7 , a maximum height of 4 and also passes through the point (–6, 0). Write the equation of the parabola in vertex form.

Question

Suppose a parabola has an axis of symmetry at x = –7  , a maximum height of 4 and also passes through the point (–6, 0). Write the equation of the parabola in vertex form.

ujjwal · Answer

what does maximum height of a parabola refer to?

anonymous · Answer

ahh finally one of these that does not have too much information
you are being told in a round about way what the vertex is. max is 4 when $x=-7$ means the vertex is $(-7,4)$

anonymous · Answer

so you know it looks like $y=a(x+7)^2+4$ you just don't know what $a$ is.
however, you also know if $x=-6$ then $y=0$ so you can set 
$$0=a(-6+7)^2+4$$ and solve for $a$