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What is the vertex form of the equation of the parabola whose vertex is (3,-4) and whose axis of symmetry is x=3?

  1. y= -1/2(x-3)^2 -4

  2. y=1/2(x-3)^2-4

  3. y= -1/2(x+3)^2 -4

  4. y=1/2(x+3)^2-4

The correct answer is: y=1/2(x-3)^2-4

The equation of a parabola in vertex form is y = a(x-h)^2 + k, where (h,k) is the vertex and a is the stretch/shrink factor of the parabola. Therefore, in this case, the vertex form of the parabola with a vertex at (3,-4) would be y = a(x-3)^2 - 4. Option A and C have the incorrect vertex point of (3,-4), while option D has the incorrect sign for the stretch/shrink factor (a should be negative to reflect the downwards opening parabola). Option B is the only correct answer.