Standard Form
Completing the Square
It is also possible to convert standard form to vertex form by completing the square. Completing the square was discussed in an earlier lesson. Now, apply the process to conversion.
Example Convert y = x2 + 4x - 7 to vertex form.
Step 1. If the a-value is not one, divide so that a = 1.
In this equation, a = 1.
Step 2. Move the constant to the other side of the equation.
Step 3. Add the constant that will create a perfect square trinomial to each side.
Step 4. Factor and simplify.
