Chapter 3: Problem 47
The graph of a polynomial function is given. From the graph, find (a) the \(x\) - and \(y\) -intercepts, and (b) the coordinates of all local extrema. $$P(x)=-x^{2}+4 x$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
x-intercepts: (0,0) and (4,0); y-intercept: (0,0); Local maximum at (2,4).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Function
The polynomial function given is \(P(x)=-x^{2}+4x\). This is a quadratic function and can be expressed in the form \(P(x) = ax^2 + bx + c\) with \(a = -1\), \(b = 4\), and \(c = 0\).
02
Find the x-intercepts
To find the x-intercepts, set \(P(x) = 0\).\[-x^{2} + 4x = 0\]Factor the equation:\[x(-x + 4) = 0\]Thus, \(x = 0\) or \(x = 4\).The x-intercepts are (0,0) and (4,0).
03
Find the y-intercept
The y-intercept is the point where the graph crosses the y-axis. This occurs when \(x = 0\). Substitute \(x = 0\) into the function:\[P(0) = -(0)^2 + 4(0) = 0\]The y-intercept is at (0,0).
04
Calculate the Vertex
The vertex of a parabola in standard form \(P(x) = ax^2 + bx + c\) can be calculated using the formula \(x = -\frac{b}{2a}\).Here, \(a = -1\) and \(b = 4\), so:\[x = -\frac{4}{2(-1)} = 2\]Substitute \(x = 2\) back into the function to find \(y\):\[P(2) = -(2)^2 + 4(2) = -4 + 8 = 4\]The vertex, which is a local maximum for this downward opening parabola, is at (2,4).
05
List Local Extrema
Since the polynomial is a quadratic function opening downward, it has a single local maximum at the vertex.
The local maximum occurs at (2,4).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
x-intercepts
The x-intercepts of a function are points where the graph crosses the x-axis. For a quadratic function like \( P(x) = -x^2 + 4x \), we find the x-intercepts by setting the function equal to zero. This is because at the x-intercept, the y-value is zero.
To solve \(-x^2 + 4x = 0\), you can factor out an \( x \):
To solve \(-x^2 + 4x = 0\), you can factor out an \( x \):
- \( x(-x + 4) = 0 \)
y-intercepts
The y-intercept of a graph is the point where it crosses the y-axis. This occurs when \( x = 0 \). For our quadratic function \( P(x) = -x^2 + 4x \), we can find the y-intercept by substituting \( x = 0 \) into the function.
So,
So,
- \( P(0) = -(0)^2 + 4(0) = 0 \)
local extrema
Local extrema in a function are points where the function reaches a local minimum or maximum. For a quadratic function like \( P(x) = -x^2 + 4x \), the parabola opens downwards since the leading coefficient \( a \) is negative. Therefore, this function has a local maximum.
A short guide to identify local extrema:
A short guide to identify local extrema:
- Differentiate the function to find the critical points.
- Use the first or second derivative test to determine if these points are minima or maxima.
vertex of a parabola
The vertex of a quadratic function is an important feature since it is the highest or lowest point on the graph, known as the parabola's peak. For a standard quadratic function in the form \( ax^2 + bx + c \), the vertex can be calculated using the formula:
- \( x = -\frac{b}{2a} \)
- \( x = -\frac{4}{2(-1)} = 2 \)
- \( P(2) = -(2)^2 + 4(2) = 4 \)