Find the equation, (f(x) = a(x-h)2+ k), for a parabola containing point (-1,0) and having (-3, 4) as a vertex. what is the standard form of the equation?

Let's begin with  f(x) = a(x-h)^2+ k.  Note that we must use "^" to indicate exponentiation.  Write (x-h)^2, not (x-h)2.

If (-3,4) is the vertex, then the above equation becomes f(x) = a(x-[-3])^2 + 4, or 

f(x) = a(x+3)^2 + 4.  We are told that the graph passes through (-1,0), so must now substitute those coordinates into the above equation:

f(-1) = a([-1]+3)^2 + 4 = 0 (0 is the value of f when x is -1)

Then we have a(2)^2 + 4 =0, or 4a + 4 = 0.  Thus, a = -1.

The equation of this parabola is now f(x) = -(x+3)^2 + 4.

Write it in "standard form:"  f(x) = -(x^2 + 6x + 9) + 4, or 
                                           f(x)  = -x^2 - 6x - 9 + 4, or
       answer =>                   f(x) = -x^2 - 6x - 5 = ax^2 + bx + c

Thus, a=-1, b=-6 and c= -5.

It’s a because c makes no sense