Final answer:
To find the maximum value of a quadratic function, use the vertex formula by identifying the coefficients a, b, and c, calculating the x-coordinate of the vertex using x = -b/2a, and substituting it back into the quadratic equation to find the y-coordinate.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the maximum value of a quadratic function, we can use the vertex formula which states that the x-coordinate of the vertex is given by x = -b/2a, where a and b are the coefficients of the quadratic function. The y-coordinate of the vertex gives us the maximum value of the quadratic function. Here are the steps:
- Identify the coefficients a, b, and c of the quadratic function in the form ax^2 + bx + c.
- Calculate the x-coordinate of the vertex using the formula x = -b/2a.
- Substitute the x-coordinate back into the quadratic function to find the y-coordinate of the vertex and the maximum value of the function.
For example, let's consider the quadratic function f(x) = 2x^2 + 3x - 4:
- a = 2, b = 3, c = -4
- x = -3 / (2 * 2) = -3 / 4 = -0.75
- f(-0.75) = 2(-0.75)^2 + 3(-0.75) - 4 = 0.375 - 2.25 - 4 = -5.875
Therefore, the maximum value of the quadratic function f(x) = 2x^2 + 3x - 4 is -5.875.