To find the vertex of a quadratic function, like $f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c$, you can use a few simple methods.

Let’s break them down:

1. Vertex Formula: To find the vertex, you can use the formula:
   $x = -\frac{b}{2a}$
   After you find $x$, plug it back into the function to get $y$.

2. Completing the Square: This method is about rewriting the function. You change it into the form:
   $f(x) = a(x - h)^2 + k$
   Here, $(h, k)$ is the vertex of the function.

3. Graphical Method: You can also draw the function on a graph. This will help you see where the vertex is located.

Finding the vertex is important because it helps with graphing the function. It also tells you where the highest or lowest point of the graph is!