Chapter 3: Problem 6
Fill in the blank. If \(a<0\) and \(f(x)=a(x-h)^{2}+k,\) then \(k\) is the _________ value of the function.
Short Answer
Expert verified
maximum
Step by step solution
01
- Understand the Function Form
The function given is in vertex form: \[ f(x) = a(x - h)^{2} + k \].
02
- Analyzing the Coefficient of the Quadratic Term
Identify the coefficient of the quadratic term, which is \(a\). Since \(a < 0\), note that the parabola opens downward.
03
- Determine Characteristics of Parabolas Opening Downward
For a parabola that opens downward, the vertex represents the maximum point on the graph.
04
- Vertex Form and Maximum Value
In the vertex form \(f(x) = a(x - h)^{2} + k\), the point \((h, k)\) is the vertex. Since the parabola opens downward, \(k\) represents the maximum value of the function.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
parabola
A parabola is a U-shaped curve that can open either upwards or downwards. It’s the graph of a quadratic function, and its shape and direction are determined by the coefficients in the equation.
When we talk about a parabola, there are a few key terms to remember:
In vertex form, a quadratic function is written as [f(x) = a(x - h)^{2} + k] where (h, k) is the vertex. Understanding the structure of this equation helps in analyzing and graphing the parabola.
When we talk about a parabola, there are a few key terms to remember:
- **Vertex**: The highest or lowest point on the graph.
- **Axis of Symmetry**: A vertical line that passes through the vertex and divides the parabola into two mirror-image halves.
- **Direction**: Whether the parabola opens upward or downward, which depends on the sign of the leading coefficient, usually denoted as ‘a’.
In vertex form, a quadratic function is written as [f(x) = a(x - h)^{2} + k] where (h, k) is the vertex. Understanding the structure of this equation helps in analyzing and graphing the parabola.
maximum value
The maximum value of a quadratic function occurs at the vertex when the parabola opens downward. This happens when the coefficient 'a' in the equation [a(x - h)^{2} + k] is less than zero ([a < 0]).
For example, if you have [a = -3], the parabola opens downward, and the vertex (h, k) is the highest point on the graph.
This means that ‘k’ represents the maximum value of the function. To visualize:
For example, if you have [a = -3], the parabola opens downward, and the vertex (h, k) is the highest point on the graph.
This means that ‘k’ represents the maximum value of the function. To visualize:
- Imagine the parabola as a hill. The top of the hill is the maximum point.
- Every point on the parabola below this top represents lower values of the function.
coefficient analysis
Understanding the role of coefficients in a quadratic function is essential for mastering the vertex form. Here's a breakdown:
- The coefficient 'a' affects the width and direction of the parabola. If [a > 0], the parabola opens upwards, and if [a < 0], it opens downwards.
- The absolute value of 'a' determines the 'stretch' or 'compression' of the parabola. Larger values of |a| make the parabola narrower, while smaller values make it wider.
vertex
The vertex of a parabola is a critical point where the function reaches its maximum or minimum value. In vertex form, the quadratic function [f(x) = a(x - h)^{2} + k] has its vertex at the point (h, k).
A few more things to note about the vertex:
A few more things to note about the vertex:
- It’s the point where the axis of symmetry intersects the parabola.
- If 'a' is positive ([a > 0]), the vertex is the minimum point.
- If 'a' is negative ([a < 0]), the vertex is the maximum point.