In the vertex form y ax - h2 k. To change a quadratic to vertex form we change it to a perfect square with a little extra. Lets formalize the process and talk about two short-cuts.
You can change a quadratic equation from standard form to vertex form by completing the square.
A third method of solving quadratic equations that works with both real and imaginary roots is called completing the square. The variables h and k are the coordinates of the parabolas vertex. Parabolas have two equation forms standard and vertex. So for y 3 x 1 2 2 the vertex is -1 -2.