Question

PLEASE HELP ASAP! If t is a real number, what is the maximum possible value of the expression -t^2 + 8t -4?

Answer 1

12

Explanation:

Hello, as the coefficient of the leading term is negative we know that the vertex of the parabola is a maximum. So we need to find the vertex.

This expression is maximum for

`t=-(b)/(2a) \text{ where the parabola equation is}\\\\ax^2+bx+c=0`

So, here, it gives t = 8/2=4, and then, the maximum is

`-4^2+8*4-4=-16+32-4=32-20=12`

So the answer is 12.

Thanks