+4 Example 8.7
Find the axis of symmetry of y= (x-2)^2 -5.
Solution: Since h = 2 in this equation, the axis of symmetry is the line x = 2.
This is an example and solution, but what steps were taken to the answer,how did they arrive at the answer? I am 2.5 weeks into college Algebra with nota prior experience. Thanks for your input.
+118723 Hi rdplymale,
To start with h does not equal 2. h does not equal anything because there is not h in the equation.
There are many ways of looking at this, I will examine 1 and come back and look at others if you wish.
Yes the axis of symmetry is x=2
Since this is a variation on y=x^2 it is a concave up parabola. Do you already understand this?
The axis of symmetry of y=x^2 is x=0
Since it is (x-2)^2 the axis of symmetry is moved so that x-2=0 that is x=2
The minus 5 just moves every point down by 5.
I'll demonstrate with some graphs. 
https://www.desmos.com/calculator/dgswyvjol8
Now I invite your response but you may need to think about it first. 
