Answer:
The vertex is at (-4, -18) (Fourth answer choice)
Step-by-step explanation:
The standard vertex equation of a parabola is f(x) = (x - h)^2 + k.
"Completing the square" is one of the faster and better ways of determining the vertex:
f(x) = x^2 + 8x - 2 => f(x) = x^2 + 8x + 16 - 16 - 2 => (x + 4)^2 - 18. Comparing this to (x - h)^2 + k, we see that h = -4 and k = -18. The vertex is at (-4, -18).
