Question

I am confused with this help calculus problem.

Answer 1

What is the maximum vertical distance between the line y = x+2 and the parabola y = x^2 for -1 <= x <= 2

Answer 2

I know that y2 - y1 = max, so I did x^2 - x - 2, then found the derivative when it equals 0. Which I got x = 1/2

Answer 3

What I don't get is that wouldn't that be the minimum? Because x^2 - x - 2 has a minimum, not a max.

Answer 4

Abhi yes you are right sorry

Answer 5

Actually the expression you made has a fault here

Answer 6

Can you please explain?

Answer 7

When u draw the graph u will see that from x=-1 to x=2 the graph of y=x+2 is above the graph of y=x^2. So the vertical distance expression should be x+2-x^2

Answer 8

Ohh, so you always have to subtract the one that is below the graph correct?

Answer 9

Yes

Answer 10

Thank you.