How do you find the axis of symmetry, and the maximum or minimum value of the function y=x26x+4?

1 Answer
Apr 4, 2017

The minimum value is at (3,5)

Explanation:

The equation of this parabola is in the form y=ax2+bx+c

y=x26x+4 a=1, b=6andc=4

The axis of symmetry is found from x=b2a

x=(6)2×1=62=3

The Turning Point is the maximum or minimum value and it lies on the axis of symmetry, so you have the x-coordinate

If x=3, substitute to find y.

y=(3)26(3)+4=918+4

y=5

In this case the parabola opens upwards (a>0, ie positive), therefore the Turning Point is a minimum value.

(3,5)