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MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM VALUES

Maximum And Minimum Values

Definition Of Maximum And Minimum Values

Maximum Value: The maximum value of a quadratic function f(x) = ax2 + bx + c where a < 0,="" is="" the="" y-="" coordinate="" of="" the="">

Minimum Value: The minimum value of a quadratic function f(x) = ax2 + bx + c where a > 0, is the y- coordinate of the vertex.

Examples of Maximum and Minimum Values

The quadratic function f(x) = 9 - x2 has the maximum value of 9.
The quadratic function f(x) = 16 + x2 has the minimum value of 16.

Video Examples: Maximum and Minimum Values of Sine and Cosine Functions, Ex 1

Solved Example on Maximum and Minimum Values

Ques: Which of the following statements are correct for the function 
f(x) = (x - 3)(x + 2) on the interval [- 5, 2]?
1. f(x) has Maximum Value at x = - 5
2. f(x) has Minimum Value at x = 2
3. f(x) has Maximum Value at x = - 3
4. f(x) has Minimum Value at x = 0.5

Choices:

A. 2 and 3 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 4 only
D. 1 and 4 only
Correct Answer: D

Solution:

Step 1: f(x) = (x - 3)(x + 2) [Write the function.]
Step 2: [Draw the graph of f(x) on the interval [- 5, 2].] 
 Example on   Maximum and Minimum Values
Step 3: f(x) has Maximum Value at x = - 5. [From the graph.] 
Step 4: f(x) has Minimum Value at x = 0.5. [From the graph.]

Quick Summary

  • If a < 0, the quadratic function has a maximum value at its vertex.
  • If a > 0, the quadratic function has a minimum value at its vertex.
  • The vertex's y-coordinate represents the maximum or minimum value.
\[ f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c \]

🍎 Teacher Insights

Emphasize the connection between the graph of the quadratic function and its maximum/minimum value. Use real-world examples like projectile motion to illustrate the concept.

🎓 Prerequisites

  • Graphing quadratic functions
  • Understanding the vertex of a parabola
  • Solving quadratic equations

Check Your Knowledge

Q1: Which of the following functions has a maximum value?

Q2: The function f(x) = (x-3)(x+5) has a minimum value at which x-coordinate?

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I find the maximum or minimum value of a quadratic function?
A: Find the vertex of the parabola. The y-coordinate of the vertex is the maximum or minimum value.

Q: What does the sign of 'a' tell me about the function?
A: If 'a' is positive, the parabola opens upwards and has a minimum value. If 'a' is negative, the parabola opens downwards and has a maximum value.

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