We want to convert a cubic equation of the form `y=ax^3+bx^2+cx+d` into the form `y=a(x-h)^3+k` .
(1) Lets expand the vertex form:
`y=a(x-h)^3+k`
`=a[x^3-3x^2h+3xh^2-h^3]+k`
`=ax^3-3ahx^2+3ah^2x-ah^3+k`
`=ax^3+(-3ah)x^2+(3ah^2)x+(k-ah^3)`
(2) Equate the corresponding coefficients with the equation in standard form, thus:
`a=a`
`b=-3ah`
`c=3ah^2`
`d=k-ah^3`
(3) Then the required conversions are given by:
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Then the required conversions are given by:
`a=a`
`h=b/(-3a)`
`k=d+ah^3`
Example: Given `y=3x^3-18x^2+36x-20` we find:
`a=3`
`h=(-18)/(-3(3))=2`
`k=-20+3(2)^3=-20+24=4`
So the vertex form is `y=3(x-2)^3+4` .