y = x² + 5x + 12 y - 12 = x² + 5x The coefficient of the x term is 5. comprehensive the sq. employing (5/2)² y - 12 + (5/2)² = x² + 5x + (5/2)² y - 12 + (25/4) = (x+5/2)² y + 13/4 = (x+5/2)² that's the equation of an up-beginning off parabola with vertex at (-5/2,-13/4)