Question

Determine, without graphing, whether the given quadratic function has a maximum value or minimum value and then find that value.
f(x)= -12x^2 -2x -5

Answer 1

Have you done derivatives yet?

Answer 2

no.

Answer 3

ok, so then, you want to find the vertex of the parabola and figure out if the cup is up or down

Answer 4

The graph opens Down

Answer 5

ok, so is the vertex going to be a maximum or a minimum if it opens down?

Answer 6

Maximum

Answer 7

so then what?

Answer 8

good, now. You need to find the vertex of the parabola

Answer 9

Which is (H, K)

Answer 10

You will need to put the equation into vertex form http://hotmath.com/hotmath_help/topics/vertex-of-a-parabola.html

Answer 11

and find the values of h and k

Answer 12

Okay, I found the vertex so now what?

Answer 13

that's it.

Answer 14

the vertex is the maximum in this case

Answer 15

But that's not the Maximum or Minimum??

Answer 16

I got (-0.083, -4.9167)

Answer 17

in a parabola, the vertex is either the absolute maximum or absolute minimum

Answer 18

I don't see that as being right. It shouldn't be that decimally

Answer 19

so, give me a moment to see.

Answer 20

ohk, I stand corrected. That is right

Answer 21

nice job, and that's all there is