I am confused with this help calculus problem.

Question

steve816 · Answer

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

steve816 · Answer

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

steve816 · Answer

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

jiteshmeghwal9 · Answer

Abhi yes you are right sorry

jiteshmeghwal9 · Answer

Actually the expression you made has a fault here

steve816 · Answer

Can you please explain?

jiteshmeghwal9 · Answer

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

steve816 · Answer

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

jiteshmeghwal9 · Answer

Yes

steve816 · Answer

Thank you.