Int Algebra: Find Vertex by Completing the Square

http://www.mindbites.com/lesson/946 for full video

In this lesson, you will learn how to find the vertex of a parabola given the formula for the parabola. To do this, you will complete the square. By completing the square of the parabola equation, you will be able to get the equation into a standard form that can be more easily evaluated. A parabola is a conic section in which the locus of points constructing it are equidistant from the focus and the directrix. Once we've identified the vertex of a parabola, we can get a good sense for how the parabola is positioned on the Cartesian coordinate plane.

Taught by Professor Edward Burger, this lesson was selected from a broader, comprehensive Algebra course.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• vertex
• square
• completing

[TheBayViewer]

@KDALove Dude, my math grade DEPENDS on YouTube.

[mzgemini0006]

I wonder why most text books and teachers show students the longer more complicated way. This way is more organized and quick. Way better than what my instructor is trying to drill in our heads.

[willanrac]

@mzgemini0006 generally teachers attempt to teach the whys of how to solve a problem not just methods to simplyfy the problem. If you dont understand the whys, you cant drag these ideas to harder forms of mathematics. but yes this is an awesome explanation to gives students an alternative way of looking at the problem.

[650Pisces]

@XxFightinDirtyxX yea thats what i was thinking why did he put -4 doesnt make sense its suppose to be postive but the 1-4 is correct

[jazzelineknox]

My final exam is in 9 hours, thank god for this dude.

[27hilltopper]

@XxFightinDirtyxX

yeah i think ur right

[bigfootmax]

dean pelton

[Akeydel]

@greengreen1227 Yep, if you start with just x^2, then it usually has an a value of 1.

[greengreen1227]

wait so was a just equal to 1?

[NicholasBarnesMusic]

@mzgemini0006 usually the stuff that they try to drill in your heads will make sense later in higher maths like Calc. or Trig.

[falpalemily]

He said "walla." It voila! There's a V!!! Sorry, it's just always bothered me when people say that