Question

The functions f(x) = -(x + 4)2 + 2 and g(x) = (x − 2)2−2 have been rewritten using the completing-the-square method. Is the vertex for each function a minimum or a maximum? Explain your reasoning for each function. (10 points)

Answer 1

firstly, you can let each of the functions equal to zero, to find the x co-ordinates of the vertices. Then, you can test a point on either side of the x co-ordiante to test if the function is increasing on either side (making a minimum) or decreasing on either side (making a maximum).