Chapter 3: Problem 40
Find the maximum or minimum value of the function. $$f(x)=-\frac{x^{2}}{3}+2 x+7$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The maximum value of the function is 10.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Type of Function
The given function is a quadratic function, \(f(x) = -\frac{x^2}{3} + 2x + 7\), which is in the standard form \(ax^2 + bx + c\). Here, \(a = -\frac{1}{3}\), \(b = 2\), and \(c = 7\). Since \(a < 0\), the parabola opens downwards, indicating the presence of a maximum point.
02
Find the Vertex
To find the maximum or minimum value, we need to find the vertex of the parabola. The x-coordinate of the vertex of 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})} = -\frac{2}{-\frac{2}{3}} = 3\\]
03
Calculate the Maximum Value
Substitute \(x = 3\) back into the function \(f(x) = -\frac{x^2}{3} + 2x + 7\) to find the maximum value:\[f(3) = -\frac{3^2}{3} + 2(3) + 7 = -\frac{9}{3} + 6 + 7 = -3 + 6 + 7 = 10\\]
04
Conclude the Results
The vertex represents the maximum point of the parabola, and thus \(f(x)\) reaches its maximum value when \(x = 3\). The maximum value of the function is \(10\).
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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 specific, symmetrical curve that is shaped like an arch. Parabolas come in two varieties: those that open upwards and those that open downwards.
For any quadratic function of the form \( ax^2 + bx + c \), the parabola will open upwards if \( a > 0 \) and downwards if \( a < 0 \). This is crucial because it tells us whether the vertex represents a minimum or maximum point.
In our original function \( f(x) = -\frac{x^2}{3} + 2x + 7 \), the value of \( a \) is \(-\frac{1}{3}\), which is less than 0. Therefore, we know the parabola opens downwards and the vertex is the maximum point.
For any quadratic function of the form \( ax^2 + bx + c \), the parabola will open upwards if \( a > 0 \) and downwards if \( a < 0 \). This is crucial because it tells us whether the vertex represents a minimum or maximum point.
In our original function \( f(x) = -\frac{x^2}{3} + 2x + 7 \), the value of \( a \) is \(-\frac{1}{3}\), which is less than 0. Therefore, we know the parabola opens downwards and the vertex is the maximum point.
Vertex Formula
The vertex formula is a critical tool for quickly finding the vertex of a parabola described by a quadratic function. The x-coordinate of the vertex for the equation \( ax^2 + bx + c \) is found using: \[ x = -\frac{b}{2a} \]
In our example, substituting \( a = -\frac{1}{3} \) and \( b = 2 \) into the formula gives \( x = 3 \).
The vertex represents the highest point on a downward-opening parabola or the lowest on an upward-opening one. Knowing how to find it allows you to determine this key feature of a quadratic graph.
In our example, substituting \( a = -\frac{1}{3} \) and \( b = 2 \) into the formula gives \( x = 3 \).
The vertex represents the highest point on a downward-opening parabola or the lowest on an upward-opening one. Knowing how to find it allows you to determine this key feature of a quadratic graph.
Maximum Value
The maximum value of a quadratic function occurs at the vertex when the parabola opens downwards. Once you've found the x-coordinate of the vertex using the vertex formula, you substitute it back into the original function to find the function's value at that point.
For our function \( f(x) = -\frac{x^2}{3} + 2x + 7 \), we found that \( x = 3 \). Substituting \( x = 3 \) into the function gives us:
Thus, the maximum value of the function occurs at \( x = 3 \) and is equal to 10.
For our function \( f(x) = -\frac{x^2}{3} + 2x + 7 \), we found that \( x = 3 \). Substituting \( x = 3 \) into the function gives us:
- \( f(3) = -\frac{3^2}{3} + 2(3) + 7 = 10 \)
Thus, the maximum value of the function occurs at \( x = 3 \) and is equal to 10.
Quadratic Equation
Quadratic equations are polynomial equations of degree 2, usually in the form \( ax^2 + bx + c = 0 \). However, when discussing quadratic functions like \( f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c \), these equations define the shape and position of a parabola on the coordinate plane.
Quadratic functions can describe various phenomena in fields like physics, engineering, and economics due to their predictability and simplicity. Solving or evaluating them often involves:
Quadratic functions can describe various phenomena in fields like physics, engineering, and economics due to their predictability and simplicity. Solving or evaluating them often involves:
- Identifying whether they have maximum or minimum values
- Finding roots or intercepts
- Determining key characteristics such as vertex and axis of symmetry