Problema Solution

The function f(t) = 4t2 − 8t + 8 shows the height from the ground f(t), in meters, of a roller coaster car at different times t. Write f(t) in the vertex form a(x − h)2 + k, where a, h, and k are integers, and interpret the vertex of f(t).

Answer provided by our tutors

4t^2 − 8t + 8 = 4(t^2 - 2t + 1) + 4 = 4(t - 1)^2 + 4

The vertex form of the equation is:

f(t) =  4(t - 1)^2 + 4, where a = 4, h = 1 and k = 4

The vertex is (1, 4).