Answer:
Step-by-step explanation:
That a and b are actually h and k, the coordinates of the vertex of the parabola. There is a formula to find h:
[tex]h=\frac{-b}{2a}[/tex]
then when you find h, sub it back into the original equation to find k. For us, a = 1, b = -5, and c = 8:
[tex]h=\frac{-(-5)}{2(1)}=\frac{5}{2}[/tex]
so h (or a) = 5/2
Now we sub that value in for x to find k (or b):
[tex]k=1(\frac{5}{2})^2-5(\frac{5}{2})+8[/tex]
and k (or b) = 7/4.
Rewriting in vertex form:
[tex](x-\frac{5}{2})^2+\frac{7}{4}[/tex]
