Question

trying to help my son with his Algebra 1 - he needs to find the value coordinates of the vertex and make a table of values using x values to the left and right of the vertex. Here is the equation:
y=2x(squared)-10x
Can anyone help us by explaining the step to take to solve this and others like it?

Answer 1

What methods has your son learned in school?

Answer 2

We can find the vertex by completing the square, by finding the x-intercepts or by a formula.

Answer 3

he has been absent and missed the lessons including the formlas... the teacher's online notes seem to be no help at all.

Answer 4

Well, the easiest approach is just to use the formula. You can find the x-value of your vertex by using the formula x=-b/2a where a is the coefficient of your squared term and b is the coefficient of your first power term. Then once you find x, just substitute that value into your equation to find y, the y-value of your vertex.

Answer 5

After you find x, just use two numbers to the left of x, and two numbers to the right of x to find the y-values to go with them.

Answer 6

Ok, he says some of what you said is in his teacher's notes.
He said he was doing that but it's the problem itlf that he's having trouble with.
Thank you SO MUCH for your help!

Answer 7

Sure, no problem. If he gets stuck on it more, just post back again.

Answer 8

thanks.