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College Algebra / Unit 6   Alg 326 short lesson, about 20 seconds

The Vertex-Sign Error

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The idea

The vertex-sign error reads the vertex of (x + 3)² + 5 as (3, 5); the true vertex is (−3, 5).

In practice

At x = 3, the function answers (3 + 3)² + 5 = 41, nowhere near a vertex; at x = −3, it bottoms at 5.

Where people slip

Rewrite the inside as subtraction before reading h.

Your place on the trail

Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.

Builds on

  • Nothing. This is a starting point.

Unlocks

  • Nothing yet depends on this.

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