Answer the questions below about the quadratic function.

f(x)=-2x^2-8x-6

does the function have a minimum or maximum value?
what is the functions minimum and maximum value?
where does the minimum or maximum value occur?

Question

Answer the questions below about the quadratic function. 

f(x)=-2x^2-8x-6

does the function have a minimum or maximum value?
what is the functions minimum and maximum value?
where does the minimum or maximum value occur?

anonymous · Answer

A. Yes
B. Find derivative and solve for df/dx = 0
C. Use your answer for df/dx=0 and plug into f(x) and solve

anonymous · Answer

i don't understand

anonymous · Answer

A: can have either or which one is it?

anonymous · Answer

@mathmate

theeric · Answer

gabstersvee , you are doing calculus?

anonymous · Answer

algebra 2 @theEric

theeric · Answer

So, the derivative stuff. Is that unfamiliar to you?

anonymous · Answer

yes

theeric · Answer

Completely unfamiliar? Teacher never mentioned it?

anonymous · Answer

no im taking an online course. its a series of random questions
i am currently taking a quiz with this question

theeric · Answer

I gotcha. So I think the first step is to change the way it looks, with algebra. It'll be like the opposite of FOILing.

theeric · Answer

$$f(x)=-2x^2-8x-6$$

theeric · Answer

That's like the $x^2+2x+1$ form of $(x+1)^2$. You want it in that second form!

anonymous · Answer

i see

theeric · Answer

So, you have $-2x^2-8x-6$.

Do you know how to get it to its other form?

anonymous · Answer

nope

theeric · Answer

http://www.algebrahelp.com/lessons/factoring/trinomial/ Well, I think we have to start guessing. There is "completing the square," but that only applies when the whole thing is equal to $0$.

theeric · Answer

So, you have $−2x^2 −8x−6$. Why not do something to make those all plus signs to make it easier? Hint: multiply by $-1$.

theeric · Answer

That will get us started.