if the eqn of the parabola is f(x) = (x-4)(x+2), we need to mult. this out to find the coordinates of the vertex.
then f(x) = x^2 + 2x - 4x - 8, and f(x) = x^2 - 2x - 8.
one way in which you can find the vertex is to calculate x = -b / (2a). here, that comes to
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x = = 1. f(1) = 1^2 - 2(1) - 8 = - 9. vertex is at (1, -9).
2(1)
find another point on the curve: let x=0, for which y=-8. then (0, -8) is on the curve. plot the vertex and this point and draw a smooth parabola thru both.
hope this