Step 1 First write the function in general form, y = ax + bx + c. +x Since a 0, the parabola opens downward downward So, is the vertex a maximum or a minimum? The vertex is a maximum point. The vertex is a minimum point. Step 2 The coordinates of the vertex of a quadratic function of the form y = ax2 + bx + care Use the values of a and b to determine the x-coordinate of the vertex. -1 x = -b 2a 2 -1/8 -1/8 Step 3 The x-coordinate of the vertex is 4. Use that value in the equation to determine the y-coordinate of the vertex, y = = f(2) = f(4 y = 1 (4).