Using the equation-x^2-8x-15 what are the coordinates of the vertex

(-4, 1)

Step-by-step explanation:

Start with -x^2-8x-15.  Rewrite it as y = -1(x^2 + 8x + 15).

Focus on the terms x^2 + 8x; complete the square here:

x^2 + 8x + 16 - 16, or (x + 4)^2 - 16.  

Put this back into y = -1(x^2 + 8x + 15) as follows:

                              y = -( (x + 4)^2 - 16 + 15)

Simplify this result:  y = -(x + 4)^2 + 1

Compare this result to y = a(x-h)^2 + k.  See that h = -4 and k = 1.

The coordinates of the vertex are (-4, 1).