Chapter 3: Problem 80
Find the value of \(b\) or \(c\) that gives the function the given minimum or maximum value. $$f(x)=-x^{2}+b x-2 ; \text { maximum value } 7$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The values of b can be 6 or -6.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the type of quadratic function
The given function is in the form of a quadratic equation: \[f(x) = -x^2 + bx - 2\].Since the coefficient of \(x^2\) is negative, this is a parabola that opens downwards and thus has a maximum value.
02
Determine the vertex
The vertex form of a quadratic function is given by: \[f(x) = a(x - h)^2 + k\],where \((h, k)\) is the vertex of the parabola.For a quadratic equation in the form \(ax^2 + bx + c\), the vertex \(x\)-coordinate \(h\) is found using the formula: \[h = -\frac{b}{2a}\].Here, \(a = -1\), so the vertex is at: \[x = -\frac{b}{2(-1)} = \frac{b}{2}\].
03
Calculate the maximum value
Given that the maximum value is 7, set the function equal to 7 when \(x = \frac{b}{2}\):\[f\left(\frac{b}{2}\right) = -\left(\frac{b}{2}\right)^2 + b\left(\frac{b}{2}\right) - 2 = 7\].
04
Simplify and solve for b
Expand and simplify the equation:\[-\left(\frac{b}{2}\right)^2 + b\left(\frac{b}{2}\right) - 2 = 7\]\[-\frac{b^2}{4} + \frac{b^2}{2} - 2 = 7\]Combine the terms involving \(b\):\[\frac{b^2}{2} - \frac{b^2}{4} - 2 = 7\]\[\frac{2b^2}{4} - \frac{b^2}{4} - 2 = 7\]\[\frac{b^2}{4} - 2 = 7\]Isolate \(b^2\):\[\frac{b^2}{4} = 9\]\[b^2 = 36\]Solve for \(b\):\[b = 6\] or \[b = -6\].
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Quadratic Equations
Quadratic equations are mathematical expressions of the form \[ ax^2 + bx + c = 0 \]. These equations graph as parabolas in the coordinate system. They can have either a maximum or a minimum value, depending on the coefficient of the term \(x^2\).
- If the coefficient of \(x^2\) is positive, the parabola opens upward and has a minimum value.
- If the coefficient is negative, it opens downward and has a maximum value.
Vertex Form
To analyze quadratic functions, we often convert them to the vertex form, which is \[ f(x) = a(x - h)^2 + k \]. Here,
The x-coordinate of the vertex for a quadratic equation \(ax^2 + bx + c\) is found using the formula \[ h = -\frac{b}{2a} \]. In our equation, \(a = -1\) and \(b\) is unknown, so the vertex's x-coordinate is \( h = \frac{b}{2}\) after simplifying.
To find the maximum value, we substitute \( x = \frac{b}{2} \) back into the function and set the equation to the given maximum value.
- \(a\) determines the parabola's direction and width (whether it opens up or down).
- \(h\) is the x-coordinate of the vertex.
- \(k\) is the y-coordinate of the vertex.
The x-coordinate of the vertex for a quadratic equation \(ax^2 + bx + c\) is found using the formula \[ h = -\frac{b}{2a} \]. In our equation, \(a = -1\) and \(b\) is unknown, so the vertex's x-coordinate is \( h = \frac{b}{2}\) after simplifying.
To find the maximum value, we substitute \( x = \frac{b}{2} \) back into the function and set the equation to the given maximum value.
Maximum Value
The concept of a maximum value in quadratic functions is crucial. When a parabola opens downwards, it reaches the highest possible y-value at the vertex. In our problem, we know that the function has a maximum value of 7. To find the specific value of \(b\) that gives this maximum, we substitute \( x = \frac{b}{2} \) in the quadratic equation and solve for \(b\).
The critical steps include:
The critical steps include:
- Substitute \( x = \frac{b}{2} \) in \( f(x) = -x^2 + bx - 2 \).
- Set \(f\left(\frac{b}{2}\right) = 7\):
- Simplify and solve the equation:
- From \[-\left(\frac{b}{2}\right)^2 + b\left(\frac{b}{2}\right) - 2 = 7\], expand and combine like terms.
- After simplification, we get \( \frac{b^2}{4} = 9 \).
- Solving for \(b\), we find \( b = 6\) or \( b = -6 \).