The given function is \( y = \frac{1}{2}x^2 - 3 \).
Step 2: Determine the direction of the parabola
Since the coefficient of \( x^2 \) is positive (\( \frac{1}{2} \)), the parabola opens upwards.
Step 3: Find the vertex
The vertex form of a parabola \( y = ax^2 + bx + c \) has its vertex at \( x = -\frac{b}{2a} \). Here, \( a = \frac{1}{2} \) and \( b = 0 \), so the vertex is at \( x = 0 \).
Final Answer
The vertex of the parabola \( y = \frac{1}{2}x^2 - 3 \) is at \( (0, -3) \).