SP #1: Unit E Concept 1: Identifying x-intercepts, y-intercepts, Vertex (Max/Min), Axis of Quadratics and Graphing Them

This problem is about algebraically changing a equation in standard form into parent form by completing the square. This way, the equation easier to graph when necessary. Important key points a student needs to find are: the vertex, y-intercept, axis of symmetry, and x-intercepts. There are a number of steps involved in finding the solutions to these problems, but they will make graphing the parabola less difficult and complicated in the end.
A student needs to pay attention to the key point of the graphed parabola, which is the vertex. The vertex can either be the maximum or the minimum of the graph, depending on whether a is positive or negative. It is also essential to remember the axis of symmetry on a parabola, since this will help a student graph more points by reflecting them across the parabola. In doing so, a student will have a better understanding of the parent graph function and the graph itself and be able to have an accurate drawing of his or her equation.