How do you determine whether the graph of y = −3x^2 + 10x − 1 opens up or down and whether it has a maximum or minimum point?

2 Answers
Jun 6, 2017

As the given equation has -3x^2 as the first term then the graph is of form nn. That is, it opens down. Consequently the graph has a maximum point.

Explanation:

color(blue)("Answering the question")

If the coefficient of x^2 term is negative then the graph is of general form nn and thus a maximum.

If the coefficient of the x^2 term is positive then the graph is of general form uu and thus a minimum.

As the given equation has -3x^2 then the graph is of form nn thus it has a maximum.
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color(blue)("Usefull tip")

Write the equation as y=-3(x^2+(10/(-3))x) -1

Then the x value at the maximum is:

(-1/2)xx(10/(-3))=+10/6=5/3

Tony B

Jun 6, 2017

It depends on the sign of a, the coefficient of the x^2 term.

Explanation:

Asking whether a parabola opens up or down, and whether it has a maximum or minimum point, is actually the same question:

It all depends on the sign of the x^2 term which we call a

y =ax^2 +bx+c

If a is positive, (" "+ax^2" ") then the graph opens upwards, which also means that there is a minimum turning point.
(Smiling face parabola)

a > 0 rarr "minimum TP"

If a is negative, (" "-ax^2" ") then the graph opens downwards, which also means that there is a maximum turning point.
(Sad face parabola)

a < 0 rarr "maximum TP"

So, just look at the coefficient of x^2 and you will know immediately!