To prove h is x-coordinate of vertex: f(x) = y = ax^2 + bx + c, dy/dx = 2ax + b, dy/dx = 0 at vertex of parabola as the turing point of graph, hence x-coordinate of vertex from 0 = 2ax + b => x = -b/2a. By comparing coefficients of identity ax^2 + bx + c = a(x - h)^2 + k, h = -b/2a. Hence h = x-coordinate of vertex. k is y-coordinate of vertex by substituting x = h into a(x - h)^2 + k = k. By comparing coefficients of above identity c = ah^2 + k. Hence k = c - ah^2 = c - a(-b/2a)^2 = (4ac - b^2)/4a as h = -b/2a from above. 4ac - b^2 = - D where D is the discriminant. Hence k = -D/4a which can be set into a program for solution instead of substituting h into ax^2 + bx + c = 0 to find k. To find h and k by completing the squares is a waste of time. Given general form with a, b, c, find h, k of vertex form by h = -b/2a and k = -D/4a, preferrably using a program. Given a vertex form with a, h, k, find b, c of general form by b = -2ah and c = ah^2 + k (by substituting h for x and -2ah for b into ax^2 + bx + c = k). When a is not given with h and k but a point on graph with given coordinates (x1, y1) is given, it is still possible to get a, b, c by setting up 2 simultaneous equations with (h, k) and (x1, y1) to solve a, b, c in ax^2 + bx + c = 0 by reducing 3 unknowns a, b, c to 2 unknowns a, c in ax^2 - 2ahx + ah^2 + k = 0. When a is positive, vertex of upward opening parabola has minimal y i.e. minima of function. When a is negative, vertex of downward opening parabola has maximal y i.e. maxima of function.