Question

which is the vertex of x ^2 10x = - 17?

Answer 1

the vertex is at (-5, -8)

Writing this as a function:  y  =  x2 + 10x + 17

Now:                         y - 17  = x2 + 10x

Completing the square:

                       y - 17 + 25  =  x2 + 10x + 25

                                y + 8  =  (x + 5)2