Chapter 4: Problem 69
Determine, without graphing, whether the given quadratic function has a maximum value or a minimum value, and then find the value. \(f(x)=-x^{2}+6 x-1\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The function has a maximum value of 8.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the form of the quadratic function
The given function is in the form \( f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c \). From the function \( f(x) = -x^2 + 6x - 1\), identify the coefficients: \( a = -1 \), \( b = 6 \), \( c = -1 \).
02
Determine the direction of the parabola
Check the coefficient \( a \). If \( a < 0 \), the parabola opens downward, indicating a maximum value. Here, \( a = -1 \), which is less than 0, so the parabola opens downward and the quadratic function has a maximum value.
03
Find the vertex of the parabola
The x-coordinate of the vertex of a parabola given by \( ax^2 + bx + c \) is found using the formula \( x = \frac{-b}{2a} \). Substituting the values of \( a \) and \( b \), we get: \( x = \frac{-6}{2(-1)} = 3 \).
04
Calculate the function value at the vertex
Substitute \( x = 3 \) into the original function to find the y-coordinate (the maximum value). \( f(3) = -(3)^2 + 6(3) - 1 = -9 + 18 - 1 = 8 \). Therefore, the maximum value of the function is 8.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Understanding Parabolas
A parabola is a U-shaped curve that is the graph of a quadratic function. Quadratic functions are in the form of \( f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c \). The shape and orientation of a parabola are determined by the coefficient \( a \).
If \( a > 0 \), the parabola opens upwards and has a minimum value. If \( a < 0 \), the parabola opens downwards and has a maximum value. In our example, the quadratic function is \( f(x) = -x^2 + 6x - 1 \), where \( a = -1 \). This negative \'a\' tells us that our parabola opens downward.
If \( a > 0 \), the parabola opens upwards and has a minimum value. If \( a < 0 \), the parabola opens downwards and has a maximum value. In our example, the quadratic function is \( f(x) = -x^2 + 6x - 1 \), where \( a = -1 \). This negative \'a\' tells us that our parabola opens downward.
Identifying the Vertex
The vertex of a parabola is the highest or lowest point on the graph, depending on the direction it opens. The vertex can be found using the formula \( x = \frac{-b}{2a} \), where \( a \) and \( b \) are coefficients from the quadratic function \( f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c \).
For \( f(x) = -x^2 + 6x - 1 \), we have \( a = -1 \) and \( b = 6 \). Plugging these values into the formula gives us the x-coordinate of the vertex: \( x = \frac{-6}{2(-1)} = 3 \).
This means the vertex occurs at \( x = 3 \). To find the corresponding y-coordinate, we substitute \( x = 3 \) back into the function: \( f(3) = -3^2 + 6(3) - 1 = 8 \). So, the vertex is at (3, 8).
For \( f(x) = -x^2 + 6x - 1 \), we have \( a = -1 \) and \( b = 6 \). Plugging these values into the formula gives us the x-coordinate of the vertex: \( x = \frac{-6}{2(-1)} = 3 \).
This means the vertex occurs at \( x = 3 \). To find the corresponding y-coordinate, we substitute \( x = 3 \) back into the function: \( f(3) = -3^2 + 6(3) - 1 = 8 \). So, the vertex is at (3, 8).
Determining the Maximum Value
Since the parabola opens downward (as \( a = -1 \)), the vertex represents the maximum value of the function. We've already calculated this value when we found the vertex.
Substituting \( x = 3 \) into the function, we get \( f(3) = 8 \). Therefore, the maximum value of the quadratic function \( f(x) = -x^2 + 6x - 1 \) is 8.
This value is crucial, as it shows the highest point that the function can reach.
Substituting \( x = 3 \) into the function, we get \( f(3) = 8 \). Therefore, the maximum value of the quadratic function \( f(x) = -x^2 + 6x - 1 \) is 8.
This value is crucial, as it shows the highest point that the function can reach.
Understanding Coefficients
Coefficients in a quadratic function \( f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c \) play a vital role in shaping the characteristics of the parabola.
The negative \( a \) causes the parabola to open downward, while \( b = 6 \) influences where the vertex is positioned.
- The coefficient \( a \) determines the direction of the parabola (upwards if positive, downward if negative).
- The coefficient \( b \) affects where the vertex is located along the x-axis.
- The constant \( c \), while not directly influencing the parabola's shape or orientation, adjusts the graph's vertical position.
The negative \( a \) causes the parabola to open downward, while \( b = 6 \) influences where the vertex is positioned.
Using the Quadratic Formula
The quadratic formula \( x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a} \) is a powerful tool for finding the roots of a quadratic function. The formula gives you the x-values at which the function equals zero. These are the points where the parabola intersects the x-axis.
Although finding the vertex uses a different formula, understanding the quadratic formula is crucial for comprehensive knowledge of quadratic functions.
For the function \( f(x) = -x^2 + 6x - 1 \), the roots could be calculated by plugging \( a = -1 \), \( b = 6 \), and \( c = -1 \) into the quadratic formula. This process reveals the points where the parabola crosses the x-axis.
Although finding the vertex uses a different formula, understanding the quadratic formula is crucial for comprehensive knowledge of quadratic functions.
For the function \( f(x) = -x^2 + 6x - 1 \), the roots could be calculated by plugging \( a = -1 \), \( b = 6 \), and \( c = -1 \) into the quadratic formula. This process reveals the points where the parabola crosses the x-axis.