Question

How many zero pairs must be added to the function f(x) = x2 – 10x – 4 in order to begin writing the function in vertex form? 04 010 21 25​

Answer 1

Answer:

Step-by-step explanation:

f(x) = x^2 – 10x – 4 can be put into "perfect square" form by calculating (-10/2)^5, or 25, and then adding and then subtracting 25 from x^2 - 10x - 4:

f(x) = x^2 – 10x – 4 becomes

f(x) = x^2 – 10x + 25 - 25 - 4, or

f(x) = (x - 5)^2 - 29

Comparing this to "vertex form,"  g(x) = (x - h)^2 + k,

we see that h = 5, k = -29, and so the vertex is at (h, k):  (5, -29)

We need to add one zero pair (+25 - 25) here.