Help with Algebra 2/Trigonometry problem

daodude1987

Main Question or Discussion Point

I'm having trouble with proving this equation: x=-b\2a
I am not really familiar with this equation but my trigonometry teacher says it is something from Algebra 2. How can I prove why or how this equation works for finding the x-coordinate?

HallsofIvy
Homework Helper
What do you mean "prove it"? It's an equation- its sometimes true and sometimes not. I suppose you mean "prove it is true for this particular situation" but you haven't told us what the situation is.
Could you please state the entire problem exactly?

Using simple calculus, you can show that x=-b/2a is the point at which a parabola attains a minimum or maximum.
The vertical line x=-b/2a that goes thru this point is the axis of symmetry.

HallsofIvy
Homework Helper
Ah! Thanks, Stephen, I recognized "-b/(2a)" as part of the quadratic formula but didn't recognize that he was asking for a proof that the x coordinate of the vertex of the parabola y= ax2+ bx+ c is -b/(2a).

wait isn't -b/2a the vertex of a parabola? i kinda of forgot this but i think you can the coeficients of b and a get the vertex of the parabola

HallsofIvy