Chapter 5: Problem 20
For the following exercises, determine whether there is a minimum or maximum value to each quadratic function. Find the value and the axis of symmetry. $$ f(x)=-\frac{1}{3} x^{2}-2 x+3 $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The function has a maximum value of -6 with the axis of symmetry at x = 3.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Quadratic Form
The given function \( f(x) = -\frac{1}{3}x^2 - 2x + 3 \) is in the standard quadratic form \( ax^2 + bx + c \), where \( a = -\frac{1}{3} \), \( b = -2 \), and \( c = 3 \).
02
Determine if the Function has a Minimum or Maximum Value
Since \( a = -\frac{1}{3} \) and \( a < 0 \), the parabola opens downwards. This means the function has a maximum value.
03
Find the Axis of Symmetry
The axis of symmetry for a quadratic function \( ax^2 + bx + c \) is given by the formula \( x = -\frac{b}{2a} \). Substitute \( b = -2 \) and \( a = -\frac{1}{3} \) into the formula: \( x = -\frac{-2}{2(-\frac{1}{3})} = 3 \). So, the axis of symmetry is \( x = 3 \).
04
Find the Maximum Value
To find the maximum value, substitute the axis of symmetry \( x = 3 \) back into the function: \( f(3) = -\frac{1}{3}(3)^2 - 2(3) + 3 \). Simplify to get \( f(3) = -\frac{1}{3}(9) - 6 + 3 = -3 - 6 + 3 = -6 \). Thus, the maximum value is \( -6 \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Axis of Symmetry
The axis of symmetry in a quadratic function is a vertical line that divides the parabola into two mirror images, helping us understand the graph's balance. For a quadratic in the form of \( ax^2 + bx + c \), it can be calculated using the formula \( x = -\frac{b}{2a} \). This might seem complex, but in plain words, it's simply about finding the x-coordinate where the parabola bends.
It's what helps us locate the parabola's highest or lowest point on a graph.
It's what helps us locate the parabola's highest or lowest point on a graph.
- Use the coefficients \( b \) and \( a \) from the quadratic equation.
- Substitute these values into the axis of symmetry formula.
- In our example, \( a = -\frac{1}{3} \) and \( b = -2 \), resulting in \( x = 3 \).
Maximum Value
A quadratic function can either have a maximum or minimum value, determined by the parabola's orientation. If the parabola opens downwards like a frown, it has a highest point or maximum.
The orientation is known by looking at \(a\):
To find this value, substitute the x-coordinate of the axis of symmetry back into the original function equation. In our solution, at \( x = 3 \), the maximum value occurs, which was calculated to be \( -6 \). This tells us the highest point on the graph is -6 vertically.
The orientation is known by looking at \(a\):
- If \( a > 0 \), the curve opens upwards, with a minimum value.
- If \( a < 0 \), the curve opens downwards, with a maximum value.
To find this value, substitute the x-coordinate of the axis of symmetry back into the original function equation. In our solution, at \( x = 3 \), the maximum value occurs, which was calculated to be \( -6 \). This tells us the highest point on the graph is -6 vertically.
Minimum Value
In contrast, when a parabola opens upwards like a smile, it owns a lowest point termed as the minimum value. The curve will inch downwards to this lowest dip efficiently and start escalating again symmetrically.
- It highlights the least possible value that the quadratic function can achieve.
- If \( a > 0 \), the parabola smiles with a minimum point present.
- The minimum value in such a case is positive or zero depending on the position of the curve.
Parabola Orientation
Understanding parabola orientation is like deciphering the emotions of a curve – whether it celebrates by opening upwards or solemnifies by lowering downwards. This orientation primarily is decided by the sign of \( a \) in the quadratic equation \( ax^2 + bx + c \).
This is a pivotal aspect as it directs us on whether to seek minimum or maximum values and how the graph behaves compared to basic quadratic expectations.
- A positive \( a \) indicates that the parabola is upward oriented, having a 'smiling' shape.
- A negative \( a \) signals a downward opening, portraying a 'frowning' parabola.
This is a pivotal aspect as it directs us on whether to seek minimum or maximum values and how the graph behaves compared to basic quadratic expectations.