SAT II Math I : Maximum and Minimum

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT II Math I

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Maximum And Minimum

What is the vertex of the following function? Is it a maximum or a minimum?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

The equation of a parabola can be written in vertex form

where  is the vertex and  determines if it is a minimum or maximum. If is positive, then it is a minimum; if is negative, then it is a maximum.

In this example, is negative, so the vertex is a maximum.

and

 

 

Example Question #2 : Maximum And Minimum

Determine the maximum or minimum of .

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

Rewrite the equation by the order of powers.

This is a parabola in standard form:  

Determine the values of  to the vertex formula.

Since the leading coefficient of the parabola is negative, the parabola will curve downward and will have a maximum point.  

Therefore there is a maximum at,

 .

 

 

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