The vertex of the function is the point where the function reaches its maximum or minimum value. In this case, the vertex is (-2, -3) since the function is in the form y = a(x-h)^2 + k, where (h, k) represents the coordinates of the vertex.
To find the vertex of a function in general, you can use the formula h = -b/2a and plug in the values of a, b, and c from the standard form of the quadratic equation, ax^2 + bx + c. Once you have h, you can find k by plugging in the value of h into the original function.
The vertex is significant because it represents the turning point of the function. This means that the slope of the function changes at the vertex, and it is where the function reaches its maximum or minimum value.
Yes, the vertex can have negative values for both x and y coordinates. This depends on the shape of the graph and the values of a, b, and c in the quadratic equation.
The value of "a" affects the steepness of the parabola, which in turn affects the location of the vertex. A larger value of "a" makes the parabola narrower, resulting in a vertex that is closer to the y-axis. Conversely, a smaller value of "a" makes the parabola wider, resulting in a vertex that is farther from the y-axis.