Question

practice writing a quadratic function with a ≠ 1 in vertex form. what is the first step in writing f(x) = 3x² + 6x - 8 in vertex form? factor out 3 from each term. form a perfect square trinomial by keeping the value of the function equivalent. write the trinomial as a binomial squared. factor out 3 from the first two terms.

Explanation:

To write a quadratic function \( f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c \) (where \( a
eq 1 \)) in vertex form (\( f(x)=a(x - h)^2 + k \)), the first step is to factor out the coefficient \( a \) from the terms involving \( x^2 \) and \( x \). For \( f(x)=3x^2 + 6x - 8 \), we factor out \( 3 \) from the first two terms (\( 3x^2+6x \)) since the constant term (\( - 8 \)) does not have the coefficient \( 3 \) and should not be factored with the \( x \)-terms. Factoring out \( 3 \) from each term is incorrect as the constant term isn't multiplied by \( 3 \), forming a perfect square trinomial or writing as a binomial squared are later steps.

Answer:

D. Factor out 3 from the first two terms.